chapter 22

I never thought anyone would wish to sacrifice his life to protect my kids. I also doubt myself on this matter. But why a person who knew that he have no connection with us and whom I myself drove away from us thinking him as a burden did that!Is he just too kind or he want something from us! I'm very confused about it but as a human being I should be grateful to that one person who did me a favour. I was careless and didn't notice kids when they heard my conversation with doctor. From my conversation they knew Shiv didn't got away instead I drove him away and I left him in that NGO and they felt betrayed because of it. Their pure heart broke because of me and my lies.They left home to find him as they heard that NGO's name from my conversation with doctor.They broke their piggy bank and with those money they took the bus there. After bus they had to take an auto to go there and while looking for an auto they were noticed by a bad man. That man said them he knows Shiv and they should follow him. Kids trusted him and got into his car. At that time Shiv saw them getting into that car and followed that car with an auto. He takeover the car with that auto and stopped that man from kidnapping kids. But one thing Shiv didn't notice was there was his gang and all of them tried to take down Shiv.Shiv protected kids and got injured in that process. It was that auto driver and his friends who followed Shiv to get back his auto and when they saw that situation they understood it and helped him. Otherwise who knows what could have happened to them! His hand was broken and his head was slightly injured again. Thanks to God it was nothing serious like before and injuries on head didn't require any stitches but only left bruises. "I'm sorry, it's all because of my selfish thoughts" I said to Shiv, when I went to meet him inside. "It's not your fault, so don't say sorry" he replied."It's all my fault that you are in this condition. I have my circumstances which doesn't allow me to trust anyone. I thought I don't want anyone by my side and I thought making friends with people wouldn't bring any good to me that is why I always stayed distanced with everyone.  I thought I can fulfill my kid's every need by myself without anyone's interference but I was wrong. I shouldn't have opposed them and I should have let them stay with you until your memories are back. I'm sorry..." I started to cry after saying this."Why are you acting like this! Nothing happened to them and I'm also alright. I won't let anything happen to them" he became anxious after seeing me crying like that.I hold his left hand with my two hands as his other hand was broken and said "from now on I will be responsible for you, you don't have to worry about remembering your past. From today onwards you are our family member and my husband. You can stay with us until you want to go back to your life". He was surprised and speechless after hearing my declaration. "Do you not want it?" I asked him."No... No .., I... Want it... Thankyou" He said with a nervous and confusing tone. "Then let's go..." I said and hold his left hand tightly as his other hand was plastered as it was broken."To where?" He asked."To home .. to our home" I said then we got back home as a family. *****Next day whole neighborhood came to our house to ask for our well being. They brought fruits and other things to visit Shiv, as they knew he got hurt while saving kids. If it was me from before then I would have feel annoyed for their coming but I didn't feel bad at all. I accepted my mistakes and understood not everyone is bad and not everyone would expect something in return from me. While living in a society it's necessary to socialize with others and help eachother in needs.I was ashamed that I was so self centred and didn't let them close to me and my kids. My house was full of noises on that day from morning to evening. All are coming and going to meet Shiv and for the first time they came to visit my house. I treated all of them with pleasure and I was grateful to them for last night.They all praised Shiv for his bravery and fighting skill. "As expected from an Indian army, someday we really want to see your skills with our own eyes" the neighbour uncle said."Oh! Thankyou, it was nothing. I'm just a normal man as you people" Shiv replied. It was good that I already told him the story I told to other people in society meeting. He is also managing it quite well. "But why were you in that NGO?" Uncle asked. Oh my God! I was careless yesterday and exposed the truth. What should I say now! "Actually uncle he is interested in social work now, so he went there to do some researches on it" I said hurriedly it as an excuse.To hide one lie I have been lying over and over....."Actually uncle I'm thinking of holding one ritual and after ritual a feast for whole neighbourhood tomorrow for my family's well being, can you suggest something on it!" I said and divert his attention from previous topic.I was worried and tensed but it seems Shiv has having fun while seeing me worrying like that. "Uncle before that if you can give some suggestions on NGO matter!" He said that to him to tease me."Hey! You can discuss such matters later but my matter is important and I need to prepare for it today" I said.Thank God that uncle listen to me and gave me some tips on how to hold a feast.After he left I said to Shiv "say to everyone that you were in NGO because you wanted to research. Alright!" "Why are you afraid!" He asked and walked close to me and pushed me against the wall with his one hand. "What do you mean!" I asked. "Are you afraid that I will expose you infront of everyone saying how my devil wife abandoned me in that NGO!" He said in a naughty way.I don't understand but something feels different now. Shiv's attitude has been changed from before, before he was respectful, innocent and accepted my every word as a order. But now he seems like to tease me, he opposed my every action and from his behaviour it looks like he have became bold and his demeanour aura would make you feel that you have no power infront of him.Did something happened to him! Did he get back his memories!