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I haven’t been eating well lately ever since I have returned, which is why I feel weak. I was unconscious this morning and hence my assistant asked our family doctor Rajan, who was also my son’s friend, to come and check me.

“Namaste, Durgaji. How are you?” Rajan asks.

“As usual. I will not die this young, Rajan.”

He laughs at my remark and checks my vitals.

“You seem to have taken stress lately. Am I right?”

“Who wouldn’t when your grandson is desperate to put his ancestors to shame.”

Rajan stiffens.

“Oh, you mean Mohit?”

“Who else?”

We are both silent for a minute when my family lawyer, Tyagi, enters. I have called him to discuss the issue. Both Tyagi and Rajan have been good friends with my son, so no matter what, I still have them to back me up and give me advice when I need some. I want to make my Will now and pass on my ancestral property to Mohit. But of course, there will be a clause that he will have to marry an Indian woman. Not the one he is dating currently. I wanted guidance on the repercussions if Mohit denies and how else can I get him to agree to my condition?

“Durgaji, are you sure you want to do this? What about Aarav?” Rajan asks.

I don’t speak a word. I feel a pinch in my heart. What about Aarav? I never accepted him as my own. I cannot include him in my Will. If I do now, will he accept? No no. There will be too many complications.

Tyagi is quiet for a long minute.

“You should think about it again, Durgaji. Aarav deserves to be a part of this if you are going to transfer the property and make your Will.”

For the first time, I don’t negate their remark nor accept it. It’s too late to think about Aarav now, isn’t it? I feel a soft corner for him after whatever he did for me in London, but that’s it. It touched my heart. I cannot think about that topic openly. Both Rajan and Tyagi see each other and I can read they both want to tell me something but are hiding.

“What is it?” I ask. “You both want to tell me anything?”

Rajan nods in denial.

“Yes. But..”

Tyagi stops him.

“We had given a word to Mahendra. Don’t Rajan. This is not how we should let that promise fail.”

Word? Promise? What are they talking about? My anger doubles as I see them arguing over it.

“What are you both hiding from me? Which promise? And if it’s related to my son, I need to know.”

Rajan finally convinces Tyagi and then blurts it out.

“Mohit is not Mahendra’s son,” he declares.

“What nonsense is this? What do you mean he is not Mahendra’s son? Aarti gave birth to Mohit in my presence, at your hospital Rajan, did you forget?”

“I didn’t forget anything,” he replies. “Mohit is Aarti’s son but his father is not Mahendra.”

My whole world crashes as I hear that. How is it possible? Aarti loved my son Mahendra. She wouldn’t do something so horrible. She cannot cheat on my son.

“You are making a big accusation, Rajan,” I dare him.

“He is right.” Tyagi finally speaks up, adding to this note. “Mohit is not Mahendra’s son and Mahendra knew it too.”

My heart lurches at that comment. Mohit is not my grandson?

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