[thewriter10]

“Papa, go slow, don’t frighten her by being always after her”

“Aree, where am I frightening anyone? See she called and that is why I am going. Otherwise, why will I go.”

“Ok, ok. Do you want me to prepare food for you?”

“No, I will eat from outside”

“Ok papa, have a good time. Tell aunty we miss her”

“Don’t worry very soon she will be here”

Sheetal admired her dad’s confidence. If her inner instincts were right, this was done and settled. Her dad’s fiancé would never want to stop seeing him with all that had been going on between them. At least, she could focus on her studies a little more than just care for her home and her dad and sister. Being many years younger to her, her sister had less responsibility but not for Sheetal. She was brought up in the typical Haryanvi culture where she had to do all the work. She wasn’t sure if this person her dad was seeing would fit into all that. But even if she did twenty five percent of the job then it was good. Plus, she was loving and caring and Sheetal hoped she would find a supportive stepmother in her.

As Vijay parked the car, he for a few seconds wondered if his previous boss lived in the same apartments as the woman he was hoping to marry. Maybe I should invite him for the wedding. He was a nice guy. He decided to check with the guard on his way out whether anyone by the name Sandeep lived in the apartment complex. For now, his attention was more towards his lover who waited for him to reach her arms. He ran up the stairs excited and rang the bell. As soon as the door opened, he grabbed Sandeep’s mom and lifted her up into the air.

“Ahhh, leave me down, you will make me fall”

“Why do you think I am that weak”

“Hahahaha, I know you are strong”

The reply was accentuated with a twinkle in her eyes. Vijay moved in slow steps towards the bedroom.

“Uff wait, I want to talk to you”

“You can always take in bed. I don’t ask you to be silent in bed do I”

“No you don’t but let me talk to you properly.”

“Why cant that wait for a bit like before?”

“You are always so eager”

“That is because you are so desirable”

Finally, they reached the edge of the bed and Vijay lowered Sandeep’s mom into the bed. His hands reached the top of her nighty and played with her breasts over the fabric.

“Bolo what is it you wanted to say.”

“You want me to say like this? Atleast stop stimulating me like this”

“Ok. I am not touching you.”

Vijay got up from the edge of the bed where he was seated and began to remove his shirt. After throwing it over the chair in the corner he had begun to undo his trousers.

“Vijay, I have a son.”

“Yes, you told me long ago and I am hoping you will not keep him hiding for long. Today atleast can I stay back and meet him.”

“Vijay not that.. I mean”

“What happened, you have a son and I have two daughters. We know that and both of us don’t have any problems with that. We already discussed all this right?”

Vijay was becoming slightly impatient; he had dropped his trousers on the floor and was just in his underwear. Not the most conducive situation for a serious discussion. Why can’t she wait after we have sex, he wondered.

“Vijay wait. Let me tell you this first. Well you know my son.”

“How will I know him? I have not yet met him.”

“No you have. His name is Sandeep.”

Suddenly it dawned on Vijay. He was actually in the flat of Sandeep Sir who used to hire him. The realisation made him feel light headed and for a moment he felt as if he was going to fall down. He slowly moved to the bed and sat on the edge without facing Sandeep’s mom.

“But, but, I mean…”

Words were failing Vijay who did not know what to say.

“But what?”

“No but how can, I mean you…I mean how me.”

“What happened Vijay?”

Sandeep’s mom got up and sat next to him pressing his hands.

“What happened?”

“How can we?”

“How can we what?”

“No can you marry me now?”

“Why, what is wrong?”

“But you are Sandeep sirs maa na?”

“So, oh God why are you men all like this?”

Suddenly, Vijay felt awkward. He wished he had known this detail before. He just felt he had committed a mistake as if he betrayed someone.

“Listen what is wrong, you don’t like me or what?”

“Not that?”

“Then?”

“But Sandeep sir, he…he is such a nice man”

“Don’t start this again, my son says you are a nice man and you say he is a nice man. So what I am supposed to marry a horrible man is it. Are you both mad?

“Not like that but…”

“Listen, my son agreed to our marriage.”

“Really?”

“Yes now are you going to come up with some reason to say no. If so say now.”

The next few moments were spent in silence as Sandeep’s maa’s hands found Vijay’s and she took them and placed them over her breasts. He was slow almost reluctant, and she was insistent. Slowly his grip became firmer as his desire took over whatever was left of his rational mind. In no time they were back like before making love with intense passion. As Vijay orgasmed inside her, Sandeep maa finally felt fulfilled. Part of her imagined the tiny sperms filling her up. She wondered if she would ever get pregnant. Would a sperm find her eggs and decide to bestow on her the joy and honour of being a mother again. As these thoughts flooded her mind she pulled him into her with her legs wrapped around him.

[thewriter10]

Vijay reached home and sat on the sofa quietly. He was a bit overwhelmed by the knowledge of who he was dating. It was as if two personalities within him were clashing, the demure polite soft spoken man whom Sandeep had always encountered was clashing with the passionate kinky individual that he always had been with women who graced his life and bed. He even found fault with himself that he did not enquire well in advance to determine the details of this woman he was so keenly dating. But that was the limits of where the soft demure Vijay went, his other side took over and point out to the possibilities that lay before him. A desirable, pretty lady who seemed to show a lot of openness to his kink appetite. And well, she had told him that Sandeep was ok with their relationship so what was he worrying about. As he sat there lost in his thoughts, his daughter Sheetal brought him a glass of water.

"Kya hua pappa? You look lost today!"

Vijay continued to sip on the water in silence not realising his daughter had asked him a question.

"Arre pappa tell me why are you so silent and indifferent today?"

Sheetal was more worried that he dad indulged his kink side too much that he made this lady who she too had begun to like worried and withdrawn from him. She wanted this to go ahead by all means.

"Nothing really"

"If it is nothing, you wont remain silent and so thoughtful, I have seen you when you return from aunty's home."

"What have you seen?"

"Well that you are happy and carefree and today you are so different."

"Ah ok" For a minute Vijay wondered how much his daughter knew about his love life with this woman. He knew she grew up realising his kinky desires but they always kept the line of father and daughter and Sheetal had grown as the apple of his eye. Sheetal too took care of him and ensured that the blow that was felt when her mother passed away was softened by taking care of things at home.

"Nothing serious but"

"But what?" Please stop this suspense and tell me."

"Well you know your aunty who I am planning to marry..."

"Yes now what is the problem with her?"

"Not with her but her son is..."

Sheetal's heart began to beat a bit fast, she knew who the woman her dad dated was sometime ago. She had seen a picture of Sandeep in her handbag and recognised him. However, she kept it to herself and decided to let fate intervene and decide where things went. Did it prove to be a stumbling block for her dad's relationship?

"Well you know Sandeep Sir? I used to drive for him?"

Sheetal gulped as she waited to know the outcome and looked eagerly towards her dad.

"It's his mom I have been seeing so far"

"Oh ok and?"

Vijay was too lost to notice the lack of surprise on his daughter's part and continued.

"Well it was so awkward knowing it and to think I would be marrying his mom..."

"Papa, can you stop making this into a bollywood movie, tell me what have you both decided"

"Well we are going ahead and I was told Sandeep Sir also has said ok."

Sheetal began to finally breathe normally and smiled, she was relieved at what she heard.

"So shaadi kab pappa?" Sheetal smiled with a slight hint of mischievousness when she asked the question.

"No idea, may be in a few months. I think I should meet Sandeep Sir first to talk too."

"Stop calling him Sir now, you are going to be his step-father. In which world does a step-father call his step-son sir!"

"You seem pretty ok with everything Sheetal"

"Pappa, I knew this sometime ago."

"What!!, how and why did you not tell me."

"Because, if I told you, you would not have gone ahead with this. That's why. And I know you like her a lot and I too like her a lot and want her as my maa. So I did not want to spoil everything by telling you about this and making you nervous."

Vijay was surprised at his daughter's approach but it gave him more motivation, for a minute he did not even feel he had to talk to Sandeep. There was a small worry when he walked into his house. What if Sandeep refused or changed his mind. Now with his daughter's support, it seemed to not matter. In fact he even thought in the worst case scenario they would just register quietly and then tell him. But that was the last option.

Sheetal was happy the way things were proceeding. At least some of the women in her neighbourhood would be spared from her dad and he would have someone to indulge his kinky and dark desires with. Just like her mom did it as long as she was alive. She was playing an important though secondary role in making sure things went forward. She knew what she had to do next so her pappa became a bridegroom soon and brought home a new maa for her. She took her pappa's phone while he rested and called his older sister. She gave her a gist of what happened and discussed taking things forward including following the rituals customary for them starting with the sagai. They knew that this was probably not familiar with Sandeep's family but decided that since they are from the grooms side they will ensure some essential rituals happens according to their traditions. Both agreed that there was no point in delaying this and Vijay's sister decided to come over the following week so they could discuss things and may be even go and see the bride.

[thewriter10]

Sorry everyone. I was unwell and not in a position to continue. I am writing again. In the meanwhile I also saw someone who has copied the theme and writing something similar. Imitation they say is the best form of flattery. But the many messages I received during this long break has made me resolve to write this to the end.
Once again sorry for the long break

[thewriter10]

The problem with good theamed stories is that, the writers leave it in between and hence a story that has potential to go on to be one of the best stories on internet lose it to other stupid theams. I liked this story after a long time since most of the stories here either lack good plot or narration, but this story had all the ingredients required to do good and to leave an impression on readers mind. But looks like the writer is not interested anymore.

Please read what I posted. The last thing anyone can do when they are very sick and in bed is to write stories.  . However will continue this to its logical end

[thewriter10]

kya aap story continue karange,,,, big fan of your writing from #Bangladesh,,, especially the story theme

Definitely will update in a day

[thewriter10]

A week later, Vijay's sister came home and they planned a formal visit to Sandeep's home to meet his mom. It was the start of the formal rituals that would culminate in the marriage. Sandeep while not objecting to anything, did not feel ready to play a part in what was going on. Once he knew when they were coming, he politely informed his mom that he had a meeting he could not avoid at office. He did this just the previous day so that they had no option to reschedule. Sandeep's maa realised, her son was still uneasy about her upcoming marriage and she did not want to force him to change his mind. It was a cause of worry for her but she tried to tell herself that he would eventually come around. Forcing him might prove counter productive. her situation was proving delicate- torn between two  men who she felt were most important for her. However, as her friend told her Sandeep was in some sense the past; Vijay the future. She dressed up in an elegant green silk saree and managed to get a few jasmine flowers from the south Indian shop that she now knew. She took her time and wore them with the nervousness of a new bride. Given the occasion, she also wore a light shade of pink lipstick. As she was dressing she looked at her jewellery book and gently caressed the necklace Sandeep's dad had bought for her. She was in two minds whether she should wear it or not. It was her favourite piece of jewellery but she was now going to belong to another man. After much thought, she felt it would be symbolic to wear it while her soon to be in laws came to see her. After dressing up she looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. She was looking so elegant and after many years, she had put in efforts to look so pretty. 

The visit of Vijay's sister was a pleasant affair, simple and lots of talk and some information about the impending wedding. Everyone agreed that it had to be simple and only immediate family had to be present. Sandeep's absence was explained due to his unavoidable office work.  

"I hope he will not go for work on the day both of you are getting married", Vijay's sister added.

"Of course, he will be there, I can't think of all this with him being absent" Sandeep's maa added.

"Yes he needs to be there and may be someone older from your family too. Is your dad alive?"

"No he is no more but I am expecting my brother and family might come."

"Yes it will be important as they will have to do a few rituals for the wedding as per our custom."

"Sure I will tell them that"

After their chit chat , they decided that dates and times when maa would go shopping for her wedding dress with them and they left.

While on the way back Vijay's sister Poonam teased her brother about getting such a lovely woman as his second wife now. She was advising him as well to be good to her and make sure she had a proper and comfortable transition to her new life.

"You still advise me as if I am a 10 year old boy"

"It was easier then, you would listen. Now you don't and you are all big and grow up"

All three of them giggled at her comment.

"But seriously, you need to make sure she slowly becomes comfortable with our way of life. It will take time be patient she is also a grown up woman."

Sheetal wondered if her aunt knew the things her dad had managed to do with his to be wife, would she say this. But she did not utter a single word and just had a smile.

But she was not entirely happy, the absence of Sandeep was of major concern and playing on her mind. She realised she might have to confront him on his behaviour before it was too late. That was her next course of action and her mind began to plan various actions to achieve that.

[thewriter10]

Back to writing so this will be updated often. do read and provide your comments. I will not make this purely sexual but as before, I am trying to explore the underlying feelings, rejection, jealousy, lust and all that while adding sex scenes where relevant. Hope you will continue to enjoy that approach.

[thewriter10]

Sandeep came home late, he wasn't happy with what he had done but he felt he could not still get around to accepting things as they were evolving. His adjustment to the present situation was to convince himself that it would be a phase that his mom would go through may be for a year and then regret it. At that point he would be her knight in shining armour, pull her out and prove how right he was. Even this seemed a bit out of place to him as the days passed by. One thing was clear, he had lost the opportunity to stop it completely and now he had to live with it. Somewhere he still felt angry with himself for letting things go to where they were and that anger then led to guilt and discomfort with accepting the reality. It was as if he was wrestling with all of it and knew overtime that his grip was slacking. He wasn't gaining anything, by continuing the bout, but his ego kept kicking in and he would change his mind and try again to gain control. At the end of his though he realised he had further exhausted himself and was closer to losing it all. He was just delaying the inevitable. But continuing like this had a danger too, if he accepted at least now, he could probably not risk breaking off all relationships with his maa. He began to pay more attention to that and to taking part in the remaining rituals and functions if any for that sake.

[thewriter10]

Sheetal on the other hand was in the exact opposite situation of Sandeep. The chances she took were paying off and each day brought her closer to the fruition of her efforts. Her dad was almost of the verge of getting married again and she was very pleased with her. Her confidence grew and she was delighted at the way things had turned. She had brewed some tea and was taking it to her father who along with his friend was watching a cricket match in progress. As she served tea and namkeen, her father thanked her and remarked to his friend,

"Just one more wicket to fall and it will be a clean sweep for India. Why is this fellow not giving up. 10 runs and an over, as long as he remains there is an outside chance that he can upset everything. His wicket is important, hopefully bhajji will get his wicket."

Sheetal walked away towards the kitchen but suddenly her pappa's words took on a new meaning. Sandeep was the last batsman and he was refusing to give in. It was so clear the way he was absent for the ceremony when her aunt had come. But there was no chance really. His mom was hooked on to her pappa and she wasn't going to go back.

"Oh shit no" the sudden scream of her pappa brought her running back to the hall.

"What happened?"

"That rascal has hit a six and there are 4 more balls remaining."

Everyone was now focussed on the T.V. To their dismay, the next ball yielded two more runs.

Suddenly what seemed a victory was reversed to a defeat. It was even visible in the body language of the Indian cricketers on the field. Their shoulders were all slouched and their heads were shaking in disbelief. It took 2 more balls and 4 minutes for the last batsman to hit a 4 and seal the match.

"Saala, where the hell did he come from. He turned what was a sure victory to a defeat for us."

Sheetal went back to her room. She wasn't very interested in cricket. She found it overrated. But what had just happened was causing concern. Before she went back, her aunt had a word in private with her. She had told her that everything was good expect for Sandeep's absence. In her opinion, a mother's weakness is more her children than anyone else. And if Sandeep did throw in everything against this marriage, his mom might have second thoughts. She suggested that Sheetal talk to him and at least find out what his concerns were. Once that was known some steps could be taken to address them. But how would she even attempt it, this guy was proving to actually be a pain and keeping himself away. She was not very happy to deal with his and was hoping Sandeep would not turn out to be that last batsman and change the course of the game.

Sheetal went to bed early as she had to wake up to study the next day. But she did not sleep well, a mixture of her aunt's warning as well as watching the last few minutes of the cricket match kept coming back in her dreams. It was as if Sandeep was that last batsman waiting with his ace till the last over and then hitting the ball out of the park to win the match. She woke up sweating in the middle of the night.

"Goodness, what have I been dreaming of".

She realised that she was sweating and got up to go and drink some water from the kitchen. As she gulped down cold water, she calmed down and resolved she would not let it happen. There would be no last minute heroics or anything by Sandeep that would change the course. She had to take the initiative or risk something untoward happening. No that was not even an option in her mind. She decided to call Sandeep and meet him to take this head on. And she would do it the moment she finished her classes and came home.

Sandeep on the other hand was trying to weigh the pros and cons of continuing his approach of non-cooperation. He took a calculated gamble of staying away when Vijay and his family came to meet his mom. It was a formal ceremony and his mom had insisted initially that he should be there. However, she left it to his choice and told him that while she would really be happy if he attended, it was his freedom and she would never force him. Unknown to Sandeep, his maa had changed her mind on the advice of her best friend who told her to give Sandeep his freedom and respect his choices so she can demand the same from him in the worst case scenario. Unknown to anyone, Sandeep wanted to know how things went and to his disbelief, he decided to purchase a spy cam and place it in the flower vase that was in the hall. At night, after he ensured his maa had gone to her room, he quickly took the small cam that was stuck to one of the leaves of the artificial flowering plant in the vase and went to his room. It took him a few minutes to download the footage and view it on his laptop. His rationale mind was screaming No, No don't do this man, this is not right. But reason seemed to lose to his emotions. He played the footage and saw everyone there. He was surprised and not surprised at what he saw. His mom was dressed like a bride to be and she had put in efforts to look good despite her age. Again, it proved to him that his non-cooperation movement was not having any effect. It was almost as if he was refusing to get on to a train that was destined to leave in a few minutes from the platform. Whether he boarded it or not would have no effect on the departure of the train or those who had already boarded it. He had to make up his mind. He wanted to keep things the same while at the same time keep communications with his maa open. His mind presented multiple possibilities and he fell asleep debating the pros and cons of each.

[thewriter10]

Sandeep got a text on his phone while at office. It read "Please call me" The number was not known and he ignored it as a spam message. It was around 3 pm and he was trying to finish up for the day and go home early. He had decided to devote his evening to determining how he would proceed and part of it was a long chat with his maa. He wanted to ensure she wasn't going to give up on him. With time his confidence in the theory that mothers will throw their lot with their children when pushed to the wall was weakening. At least the events of the last few months had made him doubt it. Well it was kaliyuga, he told himself. Everything is going upside down. At 3:47 pm, his phone buzzed again and he picked up in an absent minded mode. His focus was on the screen as he punched the password on the phone's screen and opened it. He saw the contents of the message.

"Bhaiyya, please reply. I need to talk to you- Sheetal"

Huh, was it Vijay's daughter messaging him? Oh and now I am bhaiiyya for her? Idiot what does she think.

The message seemed to make him angry. What is this everyone in his family are now my family? He went out and took a walk. That calmed him down a bit and he came back and decided to reply.

"I am at work. What is it?"

Within a minute his phone buzzed and he took it immediately and read the message.

"Sorry bhaiiya, but this is important. Just meet me once. I can come to your home or anywhere you want me to come."

Meet me? What the fuck does she want to meet me for? His first response was to tell her to get lost. But he did not. Something may be gave him some hope. May be something is not fine. May be Vijay's family got the message that he was against this wedding and were able to think more sensibly. Well whats the harm in meeting her once.

"Ok I can meet you at 5:30 today if you are free."

"Where shall we meet bhaiyya?"

"Mall in Sector 7"

"Ok I will wait at the Vadilal ice-cream parlour near the Mother Dairy milk booth."

"Fine."

As he finished texting, his boss called him for a meeting and he got busy. The meeting got over in 45 minutes and Sandeep went to his cabin and packed up his belongings. He realised the time and literally ran out of his cabin into the lift to reach the parking lot. Shit I need to rush to be able to meet Sheetal. Sandeep drove as fast as he could but the traffic was growing. He did not give up and focussed on reaching the location he had agreed upon to meet Sheetal as fast as he could. He was late by 15 minutes. He parked and ran to the ice cream parlour and was relieved to see Sheetal sitting there.

"Sorry, very sorry, traffic was bad."

"Accha, toh you have to buy me chocolate ice-cream for making me wait ok"

I will get her whatever crap she wants he thought to himself and called the waiter. After ordering chocolate ice cream, Sheetal smiled at him

"So bhaiyya, how was your day?"

"You called me to talk about my day at office?"

"Arre no but why are you so serious, I want you to relax so we can talk about somethings but in a calm manner. Please na bhaiiyya"

Sandeep took a long breath and nodded his head. The waiter brought the chocolate ice cream and placed it in front of Sheetal.

"Sir, anything for you?"

"Ah no... wait may be get me a lime soda with sugar"

Sheetal smiled as she continued to relish the ice-cream. Once she was done, she looked at him with a smile.

"Haan toh tell me what was it." Just at that moment the waiter brought the lime-soda and placed it in front of Sandeep.

"Bhaiyya, you finish you lime soda and we can talk. You are tired na. First you drink it and then we will both talk.

Sandeep drank the lime-soda quickly and burped. Sheetal giggled and sat observing him. In her mind she was revising what she wanted to say for the eighth time. She had to stop that and say it. She was getting ready. Finally, Sheetal started,

"Bhaiyya, we all missed you that day when we came to your home."

"Hmm, I had office work that I could not avoid."

"What bhaiiya, wont you get leave if you tell your boss that you have a family function."

"Tell them what?"

"That maa is getting remarried and there is a function, they will surely give you leave for that na."

Sandeep was silent and looking on the table. How on earth was he going to tell that to his boss. He would be the butt of jokes for that. And to add to that if they found out who his maa was marrying. Finished, ridicule, shame and who knows they might even ask him to find another job. How will this silly girl know all that. She would have never come within 100 metres of a building like his office or interacted with people from his class and circle.

"Did I say something wrong bhaiiya. you went silent"

"No, nothing. Is that all or is there something else."

"Well bhaiyya, you are not happy. That is so clear. And I want to know how we can change that"

"Change what?"

"Make you happy"

"Why are you bothered about my happiness. I am like this only."

"Arre you are going to be my family and I have to worry about your happiness na. Who else will worry?"

This was going totally against what Sandeep had thought. Now his happiness was their concern? What on earth!

"Accha listen bhaiyya, you are not happy because it is pappa na? I know that and may be you are right too."

"Do you want this marriage to stop? Will that make you happy bhaiyya?"

Sheetal was a clever girl, when defense did not work, she was trying to go on the offensive and put Sandeep on the backfoot and it was working.

"Listen, Sheetal, I have nothing to say about this wedding. It was unexpected and I think it was wrong that your pappa after working for me for years did this."

"Did what bhaiiya?"

"Don't act, he knew who my maa was and went ahead and seduced her. He made it happen according to his likes. He had no concern about me and I always did my best to support him. I paid for your education for years, I paid for your mom's treatment when she was sick. And this is how your dad behaves? Nonsense. You will not understand unless you are in my place.

Sheetal put her hand on Sandeep's hand and held it firmly.

"What on earth are you doing. This is a public place Sheetal."

"I understand bhaiyya. I feel bad for you. I want you to know I understand."

"No you dont. You and others in your family are delighted that you are getting my maa."

"And me..." Sandeep's eyes were turning red partly with anger partly with sadness.

"What about you bhaiyya... please say it"

"I am losing her... thats it."

"But just like us are you not gaining anything?"

"What the hell am I gaining. I am just faced with losses."

Sheetal felt like giving a tight slap to Sandeep as she heard it. This idiot cant see things and his upper class arrogance and attitude makes him think like this. But she had a greater goal to achieve. She had to convince him and gain his trust and support.

"Bhaiyya, maybe you are right and it is sad things are like this. Is there anything we can do now?"

"Nothing...nothing"

"What if I talk to my relatives and stop this wedding from going ahead?" Sheetal tried to sound as convincing as she could.

"I don't know. That is not a possibility it is too late."

"So what is a possibility that can make you happy?"

"I don't know Sheetal, I am confused I really don't know. Now if you are done, can I please leave?"

"I will agree to you leaving now, if you promise to meet me again here in one week. I want you to think of what can be done to make you a happy person- even if it means stopping everything. Promise me and I will let go of your hand and we can leave"

"Okay I promise."

Sheetal faked a smile and walked out with Sandeep, she waved to him and walked in the opposite direction and finally was by herself. What an idiot, he is behaving like a small kid even now. Does this fool not know his maa wants this. She spoke to herself all the way back home as a way of calming herself down. There was more work to be done really. Sandeep was still that last batsman and she had thrown a googly to him with her suggestion of stopping the wedding. Now she had to wait for a week to see whether that had clean bowled him or if he was going to hit her for a six.

[thewriter10]

Sandeep went home and took a shower. While he had purchased the spy cam only to see what happened during the ceremony at his home, he went against his reasoning and fixed it back in its location . Every 2 days he downloaded the feed on to his laptop at night and carefully placed it back. That night he had downloaded it and after he locked his room he played it. Nothing much, the usual visuals and sounds with his mom coming into the view on and off. After around 20 mins, she was sitting on the sofa and talking on her phone. He was yawning and was about to fast forward it to check if Vijay was visiting his home in his absence. He wanted to have some controls put in place and one of it was to restrict his visits when he was not there. He did not have any particular goal in doing this but still he wanted to assert his authority in some ways. At times he wondered whether his anger was due to the fact that Vijay was now in a position of authority over him.

"If he was younger, I would have given two slaps Mala. The way he is behaving is actually making me so angry. I can't believe this is the boy I brought up."

What he heard made him attentive. Mala was his mom's best friend. But who was she about to slap. Oh God she wanted to slap him. He paused the video inserted a headphone into the laptop, raised the volume and played the rest of the video. The conversation continued.

"Yeah, the earlier he realises the better for him. Am I doing something illegal. And he is the root cause, he encouraged me and then after everything he wants me to stop, forget everything and do what he says. As if he is going to be available to take care of me. These boys you know the minute they marry they will forget father, mother and everything. But we, we have to be at their beck and call for everything throughout their life. I am really fed up Mala."

"Yeah, yeah, I know few more weeks and I will atleast be away from his sight and he can do as he likes. But this is not what I want, you understand that right?"

"But that way he is behaving he isn't leaving me with options. I never thought, I would have to choose another man at the cost of my son. And my own son is pushing me to do it."

"No, no I have not told him anything. I am sharing my heart with you as you are my best friend and you know him also and you understand this as a woman."

"Yes. I am doing that. What other option do I have Mala you tell me. Irony is Vijay and his family have been so welcoming."

"Haha, that ... what is there to say, he is a haryanvi and they are aggressive by nature, I am learning his tastes and needs."

"Look, Sandeep might call you. Just keep the peace if he asks you anything. And if he needs help please do what is required. You are like a second mother to him. Even if he loses me by his behaviour, please be there for him. At least I will be in peace."

The recording abruptly stopped. Sandeep realised the memory was full and he had tears welling up.

His mom had made up her mind. He just had one option in front of him. He was not happy about it but he had to do it. He could not loose everything.

[thewriter10]

Next day, Sandeep woke up late, his maa had knocked on his door a couple of times but he did not respond. He finally had a cold shower and decided he would call in sick and stay at home for half a day. He wanted to have a discussion and thought about what he wanted to say a few times. When he emerged outside his room, his mom was worried and asked him if everything was ok with him. After hearing her conversations with her friend, he wasn't sure if this was genuine concern or was she just trying to keep him happy- at least for a few more weeks. He told her he was taking a day off and sat on the table as she served him breakfast. After finishing breakfast, he sat and watched some news aimlessly. He wanted to talk but how to start it was the confusion. Finally he woke up and went to her room where she was sitting and reading a book.

"Maa, are you busy? I wanted to talk to you"

"No I am not come, what is it"

Sandeep sat on the chair opposite her bed and looked around for a bit.

"Maa, see I know things have not been great. But I thought that should change. So..."

His mom looked at him eagerly.

"So.. I am sorry about everything. I mean my behaviour was not right I now feel. I mean...well I ...I don't know maa, it is not easy. I am scared."

Hi mom kept waiting to let Sandeep express what he wanted to say.

"I am worried, am I going to lose you?''

"Lose me? How will that happen?"

"You will go away right, then I will be history. I know that is bound to happen"

Sandeep's maa got up and went to him and held him in a tight embrace. Sandeep could realise all his fears were coming out in the form of tears that started to trickle. He was sure that part of it was also the anger he felt towards Vijay and remained unexpressed. But for now he felt he had his maa. He held her too as both stayed in that embrace that was warm and loving. After a long silence, Sandeep's mom spoke.

"Listen, you are not going to loose me in any situation. No one can take away the fact that you are my child. And possibly my only child. How will Vijay or anyone change that silly boy?. And if I remarried, I would have had to go with the person I remarried. When you insisted that I get married, I wasnt sure. Now that I am sure, you are scared. What do I do with you"

"Nothing, its ok. You be happy."

"I cannot be happy if you are sulking so let us settle this today. Is it because it is Vijay? Tell me the truth"

Sandeep just partly nodded his head as he held on to her.

"Why? Be honest with me that will help both of us"

"I don't know....I can't imagine him being my step-dad. I am really finding it hard"

"I understand it is hard for you. But is it impossible to think differently, for my sake, for your sake for our sake...?

"I don't know, I can try"

"That is all I want to hear, if you will make an effort that is enough. And between the two of us, I want to assure you one thing. If there is something that is bothering you about Vijay, I want you to tell me. I will ensure that it is sorted out so you are not worried or concerned. For now can you objectively tell me things that might be of concern"

"Like what?"

"I dont know dear, you should tell me, may be he lives in a different part which is mostly lower middle class families. Is that an issue?

"No, not really"

"Ok, anything about his mannerisms or anything about anyone at his home, like his kids?"

"Don't know. But even if there are issues, why will he change."

"He will change and I will try my best to change him. However, you need to communicate with me. Only then I will know. When you are silent, I am lost as well and I don't know what is going on."

"Now can you tell me if you are feeling better? Please dear seeing you like this is painful I cant be happy with anyone like this"

"Slightly better"

"Good shall I make you a cup of tea? I need a cup of tea myself" Sandeep sat for a few minutes in silence while his mom went to the kitchen to make tea. He got up and with mixed feelings went to the kitchen.

"Why do you like him so much?" The question though sudden did not fully catch his mom off guard. In fact she had answered the same question to her friend Mala and both had shared notes on a lot of things including some juicy details. Composing herself she addressed the question objectively,

"He is kind, caring and loving. Plus he is concerned about me and about you. He has been very upset about seeing you like this and even asked me once if we should postpone this wedding by a few months. The way he cares for us I feel is beautiful and therefore I choose him. There are many differences but the basic things are all in place and so I feel he is the right person"

Sandeep took the cup of tea and sipped on it.

"But you will leave right, you will go and live at his home for good."

Sandeep's mom put her cup of tea on the dinning table and laughed.

"That would be the case if I remarried anyone isn't it. But here he lives close by and i can come here and stay with you as often as I want"

"You will come back here?"

"What a silly question, ofcourse I will regularly. See I told you just because I am getting married doesn't mean I am going away for good and you wont have any relationship with me. You will be a very important part of my life. I will be coming to see you and take care of you as much as I can until you find a girl for yourself. In fact, I think you will chase me back more eventually. Have I answered all your questions or are there more?"

"I dont know may be there will be more"

"Well in that case, I will go to the toilet now and when I come back if there are more questions, I will answer them as well."

Sandeep watched his mom go into her room, she picked up her phone stood for a few seconds and then placed it on the table and went to the toilet. The moment she locked the door, Sandeep quickly went to the phone- it was unlocked. He open the messages and realised Vijay was the one who was messaging as he expected. He read the messages quickly and realised Vijay was planning to come to meet his mom and they cancelled it since he was at home. Vijay had messaged her in the last message asking to come out under some reason and that he would pick her up. Sandeep's mom replied saying she would try but cannot promise and ended it with a kiss. Sandeep quickly put the phone down and went back to the dinning table quickly and sat down. His mom came out and sat next to him.

"So any more questions?"

"No not really. I feel better, so may be I will go to work for half a day"

"Why, stay here with me. Let us spend the day together "

"No maa, it is ok, I will go to office and be back by 6 pm.

The positive feelings that were developing about Vijay slowly receded and were again being replaced by the feelings of jealousy and anger. Sandeep got ready soon and gave his mom a tight hug and left. The sudden change made no sense to her but she was at least happy that they had a proper conversation- the first since Vijay became important to her. Sandeep drove to old Delhi and to the same shop where he had obtained his spy cam. He knew the shop keeper and had told him that the reason for purchasing them were to figure out why things were missing from his house. The shopkeeper was also a distributor to Sandeep's company and hence he did not enquire too much and showed him different gadgets. Sandeep bought two which were expensive but were were minute and could be concealed very well. They even came with multiple colours to camouflage it according to the colour of the paint and recorded footage in HD. He paid in cash and drive around Delhi. Occasionally, he felt an inner urge to stop what he was doing. That he was crossing a line that was not to be crossed but his jealousy and anger clouded his mind.

Once Sandeep left, his mom took her phone and messaged Vijay,

"He is gone to office and I am free till 5 pm. Come soon"

Vijay replied in a few minutes and Sandeep's mom went and looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. She had promised Vijay that next time he came home she would fulfil his desire to open the door wrapped in just a towel. She began to undress and took a large towel that was there and tied it. It barely reached her knees and she tied her hair into a bun and waited. In about 10 minutes the door bell rang and she smiled and walked to the door. She called Vijay on his phone to confirm it was him and opened the door. As he walked in and closed the door behind him, she undid the knot of the towel and let it drop to the floor, Vijay grabbed her for a passionate kiss. Unknown to both a small pice of equipment was recording everything that was going on silently from a corner.

[thewriter10]

Sandeep returned around 6 pm. He had not gone to his office but wandered aimlessly around Delhi. He realised that there was nothing much to be done. He had to move on. And with every passing day his aim was to reconcile himself to the new situation and make the best of it. This was not really due to his wholehearted acceptance of the situation but the helplessness of someone who was left with no other option. Part of him also began to feel he was at fault as almost everyone he hoped to find as an ally was only finding fault with his stance. May be they were right and he was acting out from a deep sense of insecurity. Around 4 pm, he decided to drive back home to avoid the traffic jams that would soon begin to dot the roads of Delhi. As he neared his home, he stopped his car and sat aimlessly. After a few minutes, a security officer patrol stopped by his side and enquired why he had stopped and he once again started his car and drove to to his apartments. As he parked his car again the feeling of helplessness seemed to take over but he managed to get out and go home.

Once at home, the usual routines followed, he had his tea, took a bath and sat down to watch T.V. His mom was looking very happy and she came to him and sat across him on the sofa.

"How was your work today?"

"The usual nothing much to say about it. Same old situation."

After a gap, his mom looked at him and said,

"It seems there are a few auspicious dates coming up in the next three weeks"

Sandeep listened without much interest

"They have suggested we go ahead on one of the dates."

"Go ahead...meaning?"

"Well with the rituals and ceremony"

"How many rituals do we have to follow till everything is over?"

"No no, what they were saying is we can have a simple ceremony with immediate family on one of the dates. Thats all"

"Ceremony meaning..."

"The wedding..."

Suddenly Sandeeps eyes rolled and he realised what his mom had just said.

"What so soon. I mean don't we need time for all this. Who is going to be able to get all this done in such a rush"

"But you just said you did not want many ceremonies, I thought. And even I am not in favour of so many rituals. I am not a 20 year old young girl getting married... I am not for too much of ceremonies myself"

"Even then, what about people who need to come here for it."

"I spoke to my brother and family, they agreed and they said they will try to come but if not they did not want this to stop. It seems after this the next dates come after forty days. Even I am not keen to do this in a hurry but we have to respect the customs and traditions of their family right. So what do you think. Are you ok with it?"

"What is there to be ok. They are deciding everything. We just have to say ok ok for everything."

"Listen Sandeep, if they had to decide everything then they would just inform. That was not the case, they specifically asked us if we were ok with it. And the most important person for me is you. If you are ok with it we will say ok. If not we will say we will wait for the next set of dates. Thats all."

Am I really the most important person for her, Sandeep thought to himself. That is a clear lie that she is saying to calm me down.

"Ok, then let them fix. But atleast you need time to get ready for it right?"

"Get ready how?"

"I mean it is your marriage. You need time to like.. you know shop and all."

"Oh there is no need for all that. It will be just you me and his family. I don't want to have anything elaborate. I have made it clear to them and they also agreed with it. I have adequate clothes and jewellery that I can use. There is no need to waste money or time on all these things"

"But aren't there any discussions that they want to have about things, arrangements after marriage etc?"

"Well what is there to discuss. I will follow the usual norm in India and will live with him. I will of course come and stay with you for a day or two every week till you find a nice girl for yourself and get married; which I hope will be soon. Vijay has agreed to that and so there will be no problems on that front"

"Ok, then what is there to discuss say yes."

"You are happy to say yes right?"

"Of course mom, I am happy"

Sandeep' mom got up came right in front of him and held her hands out. Both hugged and she held him in a warm loving embrace. As they let go, she held him and placed a kiss on his forehead and went to the kitchen to get dinner ready. After dinner Sandeep lay in his bed and was looking at the celing as the fan gathered speed. It was as if it showed him how things were moving faster than he anticipated. Just two weeks to his mom remarrying. But his agitation at all of this had reduced. May be it was destiny. A small part of him hoped things would go downhill sooner or later. But he was atleast able to be calm now and hide his real feelings from others. Slowly his eyes felt heavy and he drifted to sleep