The colourful, flickering lights flashed intermittently as the party swooned to the rhythmic beats of a popular song. There was a heady mix of music and alcohol, while the atmosphere was invaded by the scent of strong perfume and sizzling desires.
Vrinda Rawat was celebrating her promotion as Vice President in Trident Industries, at a plush farmhouse in Delhi. Draped in a shimmery, sequined saree, she was a sight to behold, as she hogged the limelight, dancing gaily, while the men threw provocative, sly glances at her. But Vrinda chased the dizzying heights like she owned it all! The deadly concoction of ambition and youth had caught her with a serpentine charm that she could hardly elude. Soon, she was joined by her boss, who clung to her waist, whispering flirtatiously in her ears.
Vrinda was not in the least uneasy, for she had always longed for this attention from the world. She laughed heartily, moving about the hall, garnering more power. For once, she completely forgot that barely two days back, she had received the news of her pregnancy, which had shaken her to the core, to say the least! Her doting husband, Rohan, seemed to be on cloud nine, and had nearly lifted her off the floor, when she disclosed the news. Vrinda could only fake a smile, and had almost cursed the little life that was growing in her.
The phone buzzed incessantly in the background, but was overpowered by the loud din outside. Rohan was trying to reach out to Vrinda, but to no avail! Soon enough, Vrinda started feeling dizzy, and excused herself to recline on the couch. She felt nauseous and rushed to the cloak room to ease herself.
Once she got fresh, Vrinda muttered to herself, “Just when I was reaching for the stars, you ensnared me in your trap! Rohan, I’ll never forgive you for this!” Clenching her fist, Vrinda collected herself vainly, as she finally received the call.
“Honey, are you well? How long is the party going to last, and should I come to pick you up?” Rohan spoke in the most concerned tone, while Vrinda rolled her eyes impatiently. “Don’t worry dear! Varun sir has promised to drop me on the way back home. Hope that works for you…” Before Rohan could insist on coming, Vrinda’s voice trailed off as she lost herself once more to the glamorous nexus of money, power and lust!
Rohan was the only son of a famous political personality, and had married Vrinda against the wishes of his family, two years back. Lured by his political background, Vrinda had feigned romance, just to secure a prominent place in society, quite removed from her own middle class background. Rohan’s father, Harish Rawat, had all through, longed her son to take the political plunge, which Rohan had firmly resisted. For he had a different calling in life, and that was to become an accomplished author, someday. He was a dreamer, an idealist to the core, who would never succumb to lowly desires. He had been drawn to Vrinda almost impulsively, which was quite unlike his nature, but like they say…opposites attract!
Waiting on his armchair in the balcony, Rohan had nodded off, when he was woken by Vrinda’s familiar voice that came trailing in the air. As he straightened himself, he saw his wife turn to wave goodbye to her boss, who blew a kiss at her, just outside the main entrance. Rohan shrugged it off as he had complete faith in Vrinda, and more so because he had been accustomed to such acts, in the society where he had grown up.
Rushing to open the door, Rohan found Vrinda unsteady in her steps, and swaying from side to side.
“You shouldn’t have got drunk in this condition! Look at yourself!” Rohan let out a sigh, containing his ire.
Vrinda snapped back, “What condition dear? Don’t forget, you are talking to the VP of Trident Industries!”
It was past midnight and Rohan was in no mood for a tussle of egos, but his resilience won over the difficult situation.
He let Vrinda in, gently closing the door behind him, not allowing the noise to creep outside. Vrinda seemed too exhausted to talk, and sensing this, Rohan shrugged off her arrogance as another immature act, and retired to bed.
It was broad daylight when Vrinda finally came out of her hangover from the previous night’s party. Reaching the balcony, she encountered a familiar sight. Rohan was watering the plants, tending to them as if they were his own babies. This was a routine on weekends, and today being Saturday, was no exception.
Vrinda suddenly became spiteful of her husband’s nurturing side, and instead of being appreciative, casually remarked “The plants seem to be luckier than me today!”
Rohan looked back and smiled, “Who says you aren’t lucky? Soon to be Mommy…”
Looking at Vrinda’s irked expression, Rohan realised he had just stepped on her Achilles heel, but before he could change the topic, Vrinda had disappeared from the scene.
Rohan looked pensively in Vrinda’s direction, unsure of what was to come. Although he had always admired Vrinda’s ambition and zealous spirit, a sixth sense made him wary of the situation now.
Meanwhile, a storm was brewing inside Vrinda, and all of a sudden, her false veneer of composure was giving way to a deep-seated frustration. She was in for a surprise when, out of the blue, her mom-in-law called.
“Congratulations dear! Finally, I’m going to be a granny! You don’t know how happy we are for you!”
Taken aback slightly, Vrinda steadied her nerves. “Thank you mummy.” She replied coldly, seething in anger at Rohan’s hurry to declare her conception. Her mom-in-law was trying hard to break the ice, and continued “We have decided to visit you tomorrow, if you are free. Let bygones be bygones, as you commence the journey of motherhood!”
Half-heartedly Vrinda complied to the proposal. “You are welcome, anytime! Your dear son will be ecstatic if you visit us.” She replied with a hint of sarcasm, as she saw Rohan leaning at the door to hear her converse, a smile lighting up his face.
“And what about you ma’am, aren’t you the least bit excited about the turn of events?” inquired Rohan in a teasing tone.
While Vrinda’s temper soared, her calculative side got the better of her. She imagined what would happen if she suddenly announced her desire to abort her pregnancy. While she was mulling on this idea, she had received the call. She soon realised that the tables had turned in her favour, and she would soon have an edge over her mom-in-law. But of course! Only if she delivered the baby! On the other hand, her career goals would be stumped midway with the arrival of her baby! She weighed the two options and decided to pretend being happy in her current state in order to secure the deal with her in-laws, which would help her in future.
Thus, although bitter in her heart, Vrinda ordered the cook to prepare some sweets and savouries for the next day, much to Rohan’s contentment and relief.
Harish Rawat and his wife arrived at their son’s residence on Sunday morning, with great pomp and show. Loads of sweets, fruit baskets and delightful gifts were unloaded by the servants, as Susheela Rawat, Rohan’s mom, rushed in to meet her son. After an emotional exchange between Rohan and his parents, Rohan noticed his mom’s eyes dart in all directions.
“Oh! You must be keen to see Vrinda! She’s actually getting ready to come down.” Rohan seemed apologetic in his tone, while Susheela looked suspiciously at him.
“I hope all is well between the two of you? Vrinda didn’t sound too happy when I spoke to her yesterday…” she asked rather directly.
At this Harish Rawat chipped in saying “Pregnancy blues…probably! Don’t worry too much!”
Vrinda was just alighting the stairs, and was filled with resentment when she overheard the ongoing conversation. Collecting her livid emotions, she finally descended to meet her in-laws. Rohan observed that his wife was unusually silent, and answered every question mechanically, as though she was in a hurry to be left alone. He couldn’t see through the veneer that Vrinda had put on with so much effort, in a bid to please her in-laws today.
Later that evening, Vrinda’s boss called to enquire about her health.
“Hi gorgeous! Hope my Boss Lady is doing well now! By the way, what have you thought about your pregnancy?” Varun’s voice came clear through the other side, as Vrinda hurriedly turned off the speaker of her phone, which she had inadvertently turned on. Much to her dismay, this time the damage was done…
Rohan looked up from his study table, visibly miffed by the ongoing conversation. Tightening his fist, he knocked on the table twice, before finally getting up. Vrinda let go of her phone, sensing a storm brewing up.
Rohan advanced towards Vrinda, clutched her by the arm, and looking straight into her eyes, asked bluntly, “How dare you! So this is what you are up to? You want to abort our child just to meet your ambitions? How shameful and insensitive!!” Vrinda evaded his glance, shaking herself out of his tight grip, and red in the face. Before she could muster the courage to speak, Rohan stormed out of the room, banging the door behind.
That night Vrinda cried herself to sleep, as she was filled with anger, frustration and self-loathing. She felt defeated and dejected, but vowed to give birth to the baby, only to avenge Rohan and feel victorious.
Rohan immersed himself in his editing and manuscript work for his forthcoming publication, and though he had forgiven his wife, Vrinda sensed a peculiarity in his behaviour, which was new to her. Rohan seemed to be more detached as though he was only fulfilling a responsibility towards her. Vrinda was now in the last trimester and was still working from home. Her arrogance and Rohan’s complacency had resulted in a rift between the two, and surprisingly, this time it was Vrinda who started yearning for a reconciliation.
For the first time in years, Vrinda longed for Rohan’s company and unwavering attention, wishing she had not neglected his overtures earlier. But she locked up her feelings deep in her bosom, apprehensive to show her vulnerability to Rohan, who had once worshipped her headstrong attitude.
“Vrinda, you do look tired! Come on, have this juice…it will relax your nerves.” She looked back to find Rohan offering her the glass. For some unforeseen reason, tears started rolling down her cheeks, that she tried to control desperately, much to Rohan’s surprise. She held him for a while, as he cupped her face delicately, wiping away the tears.
However, this was only the tip of the iceberg, as deep down, Vrinda’s health was dwindling in depression, that was not apparent to many. She was gradually losing her spark and interest in daily activities, giving way to a broodiness, quite unlike her exuberant self.
Days flew past and soon it was time for the baby to arrive, as the Rawat household prepped up. Vrinda went through an arduous labour, while Rohan’s wait seemed to test his patience and nerves, outside the maternity ward.
The little one’s first cry was a momentous occasion for the Rawat family, and while they celebrated, Rohan creeped into Vrinda’s room to get the first glimpse of his newborn daughter. Vrinda lay exhausted, and beside her, their little princess looked like a miracle from above to Rohan! Vrinda managed to smile weakly as Rohan held her hand in a tight grasp, grateful for this beautiful gift.
Vrinda and the baby were brought home in a couple of days, but the new mom seemed in no mood to rejoice. She became increasingly irritable and withdrawn, and even detested feeding her baby.
“Come on, my princess, daddy will sing a lullaby for you!” Rohan held his daughter adoringly as she wailed out of hunger, searching for her mother. While Rohan’s heart pierced at her uncontrollable wails, Vrinda was diagnosed with severe postpartum depression, edging on psychosis.
It was a testing time for the entire Rawat household, and Rohan’s mom, Susheela, pitched in to help. On Rohan’s persuasion, she started looking after Vrinda and her baby with the utmost care and motherly tenderness. She even overlooked Vrinda’s bouts of temper, and helped her calm down, while she nursed the baby.
“What shall we call you, our little doll?” Rohan addressed his daughter endearingly as he patted her to sleep, one night, when Vrinda seemed too exhausted for her motherly duties.
“Suhani” he suddenly whispered in her ears and the baby cooed in delight, much to Rohan’s wonder.
Rohan was a hands-on father to little Suhani, and a devoted care-giver to Vrinda, which gradually helped in her convalescence.
One night, when rains lashed Delhi, Rohan was out for an errand, and was caught up in the traffic, unable to return on time. Suhani was about to turn 5 months old and cried incessantly, as she didn’t find anyone near. Vrinda had dozed off on the armchair, and was woken up by the baby’s cry. As she dragged herself sleepily, to attend to her child, Suhani cried out “Mamma, Mamma”, her very first word…
That moment turned transformative for Vrinda as she rushed to hold her baby close, and started showering her with kisses. It was as though a flood of pent up emotions had found a release, as Vrinda wept like a baby, hugging the little one to her bosom. Vrinda started healing, and as her maternal instincts were aroused, Rohan was comforted beyond measure to see his wife glowing with the radiance of motherhood!
“Rohan, I’ve been thinking of starting as an entrepreneur for quite some time now…I think the time is ripe for us.” Vrinda said, with a spark of enthusiasm in her eyes, on Suhani’s first birthday. With Rohan’s whole-hearted support, Vrinda forayed into the field of education with her first playschool, which she headed as the Principal. Her corporate dream had fizzled out, and she stood with a new-found purpose in life, shedding all her superficial falsehood. Contentment was her new mission in life. Together, she and Rohan dealt with all the highs and lows that were to come, and in the process rediscovered each other like never before.
Soon, Vrinda also started a primary school for underprivileged children. Rohan was now a celebrated author, and with little Suhani in tow, their bond as a family became priceless, for which they were eternally grateful.
Both Vrinda and Rohan had redeemed themselves, as life offered them a second chance, just when they were about to give up!
Looking back they smiled thinking about how their whole journey had been a learning curve after all. The storm had ceased and merrily, they marched towards the rainbow of their dreams; their house which they named “Indradhanush”.