Tainted Love by Maniah (english novels to read .TXT) 📕

13.

Vani Pov:-

"Aww, do it again Gunnu," Mrs Gill cooed at Granth, ``my baby Is such a blessing for me. I can't believe he will be two months old tomorrow.

"Vani, stop everything and feed him first, see he is getting grumpy," Mrs Gill said.

"Just two more minutes Mrs Gill, let me clean the last dish."

"No, come now, I will clean the dish. You just feed Gunnu," I smiled at her "thank you, Mrs Gill."

I took Granth from her and started feeding him, "Vani, have you thought about what I asked you to do?" 

I sighed and didn't reply. I didn't know how to answer her questions. "Vani…" 

I kept mum, she didn't give up and came to me, wiping her hands with the kitchen towel "I never asked you about your past Vani because I know if you want to tell me, you will tell yourself. I can see the pain in your eyes but you have to think about Granth now. Here neighbours are talking behind your back, you live alone, no one from your family comes to meet you…" 

"I don't care about anything Mrs Gill, why do I? I told you I have no one except for Granth."

"I understand Vani, even yesterday, when I was buying vegetable women, were gossiping about you. Mrs Bhalla commented on your character again, I scolded them but still...," she sighed "inform his father Vani, please"

My eyes went to the birthmark on Granth's hand. Mritunjay's words are still fresh in my mind. 'A whore remains a whore no matter how much respect you give her.'

"At least think about it," she patted my hand "I hope one day you trust me enough to share your pain Vani,  Mr Gill thinks of you as his sister, we consider you as family." She kissed Gunnu and left for her house.

 It's been ten months since I left Mumbai, I looked at Granth sleeping peacefully in my arms. "Am I not enough for you Granth?"

I closed my eyes, tears rolled down my cheek. Mrityunjay's face flashed in front of my eyes. His smile, his habits, how he used to make me sit in his lap.

I was lost in the memories when Granth moved his hands in front of my face. 

I kissed his small hands ``I love you Gunnu," he was moving his hands smiling. I sighed and laid him down in his crib.

I was about to sit to study when the doorbell rang. I went to open the door.

"Vani, can you give me some sugar dear, I'll return tomorrow. Actually, I forgot to buy it today and now every shop is closed," Mrs Bhalla said.

I took the small bowl from her "of course Mrs Bhalla," I told her, she entered inside while I went to the kitchen for the sugar. 

"Is Granth asleep?" She asked me looking around the living room.

"No Mrs Bhalla, still awake but he will sleep soon." 

"Hmm, So how is your college going Vani, is that boy what was his name, yes Rishi. Is he bothering you even now?" 

I stopped filling the bowl, after Granth's birth, when I was on maternity leave, Rishi came to my house. He was drunk and came with two of his friends, it was late and they all created a scene here. Mr Gill was the one who came to my rescue that day and asked then to leave or he would call the press. Calling the police was out of option because police were in his pockets. 

That day I was not only scared for myself but my child as well and that was the day when I came to know what real fear means. 

"Being without a man is too difficult for a woman in this society but for you, it's even more difficult seeing your beauty but tell me one thing why did your husband divorce you Vani?" She asked.

Closing the sugar box I went to her, handed her the bowl filled with sugar "here is your sugar Mrs Bhalla," I said.

"Thank you but you have not answered my question. Why did your husband divorce you? See Vani, we all are respected people here and you live alone with your child, we have not seen anyone from your family let alone your husband…"

"Mrs Bhalla, you should have understood by now that I don't want to talk about my family or husband, to you or anyone. Please don't try to interfere in my life. I am not bothering you or anyone else here. I just want to live peacefully in my house, please respect the boundaries of a neighbour," I told her. Her face turned pink in embarrassment. 

I had enough from her, I have suffered enough in my life that now this kind of person couldn't do any damage.  "It's past Granth's bedtime if you don't mind." 

"Who doesn't want to live peacefully Vani but you brought disturbance in our life from day one. Sometimes your boyfriends come here drunk and do the drama and God knows what you do outside…"

"Enough Mrs Bhalla! You have no right to question my character. Please leave."

"Hm, I was going already but this society will not tolerate any vulgarity here anymore. I'll make sure of it," saying that she left.

I closed the door, I couldn't even cry anymore. I had enough of this suffering from everyone. When I was alone I suffered but now I have Granth to think about and I won't meet anyone to question me anymore.

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"Congratulations Vani, you ranked first in the college," Ritu hugged me tightly. Today our final year result came, I secured the first rank. I smiled seeing my result. It felt like I had crossed a mountain in my journey. 

"And the good news is, you are also selected by the Heritage Palace foundation school. Lucky you Vani, you topped in college and got a cool job...am so happy for you." 

I was stunned "what? I passed the interview?" 

"Yes, you did and you are the only one they selected. You know, teaching in the heritage foundation is a big thing. They don't hire freshers but you just nailed the interview."

I was happy beyond words, this was a huge milestone in my career. The Heritage Foundation was the biggest school in Shimla. "Oh my God!" I squealed in happiness.

"Listen, babe, I won't leave you this time. I want a goddamn pizza party today," Ritu said.