Chapter 27: There may be trouble ahead

Kabir and Pooja decided it was better not to say anything about the pregnancy until they returned from New York, So Pooja could visit her doctor later that week, to get it officially confirmed.

Getting this little detail out of the way, Kabir then decided it was time to pay a visit to his father, and let him know the good news.

Suman was with PK Mittal when Pooja and Kabir called on him, and Pooja found herself wishing that Kabir did not look quite so smug when he told PK he was about to become a grandfather again, because Pooja was pregnant.

Pooja imagined Suman probably was not overjoyed at the news, but for once she didn't really care about what the woman was thinking, instead she found herself more interested in her father-in-laws reaction.

The news had a wonderful effect on him he seem to positively light up, becoming more animated than Pooja had ever seen him. She knew losing his Son Jay his other grandchildren had taken a toll on him, and his health had been spiralling downwards. But Pooja found herself hoping that this good news that he was to become a grandfather again, would give him the strength to want to go on, and give him something to fight for.

Seeing his happy reaction in response to the announcement, lifted her heart, because she felt sure she had achieved that goal at least, and that's was all that mattered.

""Y'know I am glad that I fell pregnant now, rather than a few months ago" Pooja confessed as she Kabir drove home later that evening

"Why is that?" Kabir enquired taking his eyes of the road in front of him as he glanced around at her with curiosity

"Well, to be honest, I was still a bit uneasy with the idea this child would be brought into existence just to solve your problems with your stepfamily. And although that is still partly the reason, I like to think it was more out of love, than anything else, now I won't feel quite so guilty when he or she, is born" she smiled

"I never realised that it bothered you that much," Kabir replied, "But now I am glad it has turned out this way too,"

"Well I think it is important that a child feel wanted and loved. Believe me I know what damage it can do to them as they grow up"

"I am taking it you are talking about your own personal experience?" Kabir realised with a small frown

"Yes," Pooja reflected quietly, "I was always being told by my mother that I was a mistake, and I was just a burden, that it was my fault her life was all screwed up because my father left her"

"I am sure she didn't really mean it," Kabir attempted to comfort Pooja, but at the same time he was a little disturbed, that as a child, Pooja had to suffer this kind of verbal abuse from the one person who was suppose to protect and love her.

Pooja shrugged, "Perhaps not. A lot of the time she was out of her mind when she said it, with drink and drugs, maybe she didn't realise what she was saying, or else it was how she really felt deep down inside about me, God only knows I tried to make up for it by taking care of her as much as I could. But I don't think it was ever enough" she sighed.

"It was not your fault," Kabir told her as he caught her sad expression, "You were only a child for god sake, with all that burden on your shoulders that even an adult would find hard to cope with, I am only amazed you have turned out to be such a wonderful young woman"

Pooja laughed "You don't have to say that just to make me feel better"

"I am not, I mean it." Kabir replied solemnly, "It is something I have always admired about you Pooja, it is your strength to survive despite the odds being against you, and becoming a good person. Your mother might not have appreciated that she give birth to you, but I am thankful for it every day"

As they had stopped at traffic lights, he took the opportunity to reach over and give her hand a comforting squeeze "And I know you are going to make a wonderful mother"

A little overwhelmed by Kabir's frank confidence and praise for her, which she still could not quite fathom out, even after all this time, Pooja was unable to reply, and could squeezed his hand back in response, thinking how blessed she was, in having Kabir for a husband.

"I told you it would happen when you stopped getting all anxious about it" Mandira reminded Pooja, after she broke the news to her the next day, when they got a moment alone at the Refuge centre.

"Yes, it seems you were right as usual," Pooja confirmed with a laugh

"So I guess Kabir is pleased about it?" Mandira then asked

"Of course he is" Pooja replied, "actually he was even happier yesterday when he had the pleasure of announcing it to his father, whilst Suman was there also" she grinned.

Mandira and shook her head, "I have to say, I like and respect Kabir a lot, he has done wonders for you, as well as helping us here at the Refuge," she now frowned a little, "But this feud he has going with his stepfamily is a bit pathetic. I mean they are all adults, you would think they could find someway to compromise, and all get along together"

" That's wishful thinking," Pooja sighed, "And as much as I would love for everyone to get along, I can understand Kabir's animosity towards them, they can be spiteful and selfish, not very endearing qualities I'm afraid"

"Well then Kabir should be the bigger person, and not lower himself to their level" Mandira then said

"He tries not to, but sometimes they force him into situations," Pooja tried to explain

"Like making you marry him and have his kids? I reckon he should be pretty grateful to them for forcing him into that," Mandira chuckled

"I guess you are right," Pooja giggled, but then she looked serious again, " Well at least from that incident at New year, they seem to be leaving us alone. And I know at the beginning, Kabir only thought seriously about wanting children as security for the future of his family business, but you know, I think he is really looking forward to being a father now it has actually happened"

"Well I am glad things are going well for you both. I-" Mandira never got a chance to finish her sentence, as her cell phone interrupted the conversation, and she now answered it.

Realising it was Kavita, one of the social workers who wanted to discuss one of her latest cases with Mandira, Pooja left her to it, and went into the main sitting room. It was occupied by some of the women staying in the place, they were having a chat together, as well keeping an eye on their young children, who were also in the room playing

They all greeted Pooja cheerfully, congratulating her on her pregnancy, wanting to know when she was due. As they exchanged views and experiences on pregnancies and childbirth, Pooja found herself sitting on the floor with some of the toddlers helping them build a house with the big building blocks. She got a strange little thrill thinking that in a years time, she could be doing this with her own child.

And as she looked around her at the other women laughing and talking she suddenly felt renewed pride in the Refuge. When the women came here their lives and bodies were shattered bruised and battered from whatever treatment they had received from their husbands, partners or boyfriends.

Then gradually, as the weeks passed, and they realised they were safe and there was hope, their confidence grew, and they found they could smile again, as well as share their experiences with each other whilst supportong each other through the hard times ahead, and dealing with the past.

Of course it didn't always have a happy ending for all of them. But for those who did, it made it all worth while.

Pooja found she could include herself in that category, her motto being, 'Never give up hope'

It was a few hours later, and Pooja was about to finish her stint at the Refuge and go home.

Mandira arrived back after her meeting with Kavita, returning with a new arrival for Haven.

She was a young fair-black haired woman, she was no more than twenty. Her face was still slightly bruised and swollen, probably the result of some guy's fist or feet Pooja realised, still feeling the sense of dismay when she came across these cases, and having full empathy with them.

"Ah Pooja, this is Rani," Mandira introduced, "She is the young lady Kavita was telling me about earlier. She just got discharged from hospital, and needed somewhere to stay, so she will be with us for a little while"

"Hello Rani," Pooja smiled warmly, as she recognised the familiar look of frightened wariness in the young woman's green eyes.

"Welcome to Haven, you will be quite safe here," she then assured her

Rani just managed a faint nervous smile, as her eyes roved anxiously around her new surroundings.

"Rani is almost three months pregnant, so you both have something in common," Mandira then announced cheerfully in an attempt to put the young woman at ease

"Well imagine that!" Pooja laughed, "I just discovered last week I was pregnant" she then confided to Rani, and received the same uneasy smile.

Pooja knew that Rani was probably overwhelmed, and still scared, as well as worried about what was going to become of her. Feeling some affinity with her, Pooja now turned to Mandira. "Why don't I show Rani to her room and get her settled and you can make her a nice cup of tea, I think she could do with it"

"That sounds like a plan," Mandira agreed, leaving Rani in Pooja's capable hands.

Pooja led their new arrival upstairs to one of their comfortable rooms.

"I guess you don't have any belongings with you?" she then asked

"Rani shook her head, "I don't have anything" she replied with a tremor of shame and despair.

Pooja knew how Rani felt. She had been more or less in same position, when Mandira had brought her to Haven at first.

"Never mind, we have loads of stuff put by for this kind of situation, its very common in your circumstances," she then explained, "People donate loads of stuff to us thankfully. Toys, clothes, shoes, I am sure we can find you some thing, and we always have spare toothbrushes soap and that kind of thing put by for new arrivals, so we will have you sorted out in no time" she finished cheerfully

"Th-thank you," Rani replied, but it seemed it was all too much for her, and she started to cry

Pooja went over and put a comforting arm around her shoulders, talking gently

"I know you are feeling scared and confused as hell right now, that is understandable, but believe me when I say, I know exactly what you are going through. And the good thing is you no longer have to deal with it alone, we are here to help you"

"I-I know," Rani sniffed, "I just feel terrible that I have ended up like this, I don't know how I am going to cope with the baby and everything," she explained

Pooja sighed, understanding Rani's dilemma. Unfortunately she didn't have the same loving support that she had now, and Pooja felt a tad guilty

"It will be alright," she then attempted to soothe her, "I know it all seems bleak right now, but things will get better, we will help you..believe me, I will do all in my power help you," she promised

At that moment Mandira came into the room with the mug of tea

"C'mon sit down and get that inside you, and you will feel a bit better" Pooja suggested.

Rani found herself meekly obeying, sitting on the bed with the mug of tea and taking sips of it whilst Pooja and Mandira sat on each side of her telling her they would fix her up with clothes and some personal belongings to do her over her stay with them

"How long will I be allowed to stay here for?" Rani then asked anxiously

"Well usually it is up to six months" Mandira replied "This is just a temporary stop to help you until you get yourself sorted out, and find a safe place more permanent"

Mandira now paused as she glanced at Rani who was taking another sip of tea

"Kavita, the social worker mentioned you have a sister who lives out of town, who might take you in for a while and help you?"

"Yes," Rani nodded, "But I am worried because my boyfriend knows her phone number and address, what if he comes looking for me there?"

"Do you think he will come looking for you?" Pooja asked, "Didn't you report him to the police?"

Rani looked terrified and shook her head, "Oh no I couldn't!.. I don't have to do that, do I?" she then demanded in dismay looking from Pooja to Mandira

"Well not if you don't feel like it right now" Pooja replied soothingly, not wanting to upset her any further

"Yes," Mandira agreed, " let's now worry about that for now, we will get you settled in here first and you will be safe here that is the main thing, the best thing you did was come here and get help" she then reassured her

"B-but I am going to have his baby," Rani wailed, "I am sure Dhruv wouldn't have hit me if he knew I was carrying his child, I should have told him"

"I wouldn't depend on that dear," Mandira replied dryly

But Pooja's thoughts were on something else that Rani had said, her heartbeat quickening as she found herself asking

"You say your boyfriend's name is Dhruv, what is his surname?"

"Wilson," Rani replied, "Dhruv Verma"

A small silence followed, as Mandira and Pooja exchanged looks

"Well, well," Pooja finally spoke up, looking grim in her realisation, "It seems pregnancy is not the only thing we have in common" she replied in a tight voice, the mention of the man's name who had haunted her memories still sometimes, made her blood run cold.

Mandira's concern was now focused on Pooja, only too aware if what could be going through her head at the mention of Dhruv's name

"Isn't time you were heading home Pooja?" she then suggested, "I can take care of Rani now, and you get going"

Pooja just stared back at Mandira in slight disbelief, didn't she realise she just couldn't walk away from this as easily as that? and she wasn't going to run away, not now.

"I don't mind staying a little longer if Rani needs me," she then replied

"Rani will be fine with me, don't worry, I will get her settled in," Mandira smiled reassuringly

"But Mandira-" Pooja started to object

"Pooja, go home," Mandira interrupted her in a more firmer voice, " I really think its best that I deal with this now. We will talk later, this is not the right time," she then reminded her

Noticing the way Rani was watching them in bewilderment, Pooja realised Mandira was right, she didn't want to cause any more stress for the girl by having her witness a full blown argument between Mandira and herself over this

"Ok," she finally relented, getting up, "I'll phone later and check up on things, and we can talk then"

"Yes, I am glad you are being sensible about this" Mandira replied gently

Pooja remained silent, she didn't feel sensible inside, her emotions were all over the place. Just knowing that Dhruv was out there, and that he hadn't changed, he was still inflicting fear and pain on women, and getting of with it as well. It made her realise that sometimes your past had a habit of catching up with you, in the worst way possible.

88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888Chapter 28: Popcorn

Pooja was not very happy in the beginning when Mandira had insisted she step back from Rani's case, In fact she told her she preferred her to have nothing to do with it

But despite this, she understood the reason why Mandira was taking the precaution. It could become too personal for Pooja, she could get too emotionally involved, meaning it could impair her judgment in dealing with it.

But still, it did not take away the guilt that Pooja felt. She was now thinking if she had just been brave enough to report Dhruv to the police for what he had done to her all those years ago, he might not have had the chance to do it again. Therefore Rani would not be in her present predicament

So it only felt right to Pooja, that it was time the man was put away for good. And she wanted a hand in doing it. But the only way of doing that, was to get Rani to go to the police and report him and what he had done to her.

But Mandira refused to let Pooja put any pressure on Rani into doing this. She had warned her not to mention to the young woman, that she was a former victim of Dhruv's brutality. It was more for Pooja's own sake than anything else. The last thing Dhruv needed was to find out about Pooja, and where she could be found.

Mandira was not going to take the risk, even if Pooja thought it would be worth it.

Mandira reminded Pooja how far she had come, and how well she was doing. That her concern should be for her future child and her husband, and not to starting some personal vandetta against Dhruv, even though she could sympathise with her friend's reasons on wanting to pursue it, But it was better leave that up to the authorities and Rani.

Pooja realised Mandira was right. But that didn't stop her slipping Rani her personal cell number, insisting she could phone her anytime if she needed help.

In the end, Rani had stayed at the Refuge for just over two weeks, before it was arranged for her to go and stay with her sister out of town, Pooja could tell Mandira was just relieved she was no longer their responsibility. But that didn't stop Pooja thinking about her occasionally.

Pooja did not said anything to Kabir about Rani's case. She knew any mention of anything to do with Dhruv made his blood boil and didn't want him worrying, which she knew he would. So in the end she decided to take Mandira's sound advice, and try to think of her future, instead of dwelling on her past again.

She decided to renew her efforts to loosen up her husband. Thinking they could have a. 'chill out.' kind of evening.

Getting Kabir to chill out would be a challenge, especially lately, when he was caught up with the business of the mew hotel going up. He was always busy and on the go..

But that evening, as he came through the door, she was waiting to pounce on him, hearing his car pulling into the driveway. Pooja insisted on helping him take of his jacket, "And I want your damned cell phone, so I can switch it of for a while, and we don't get interrupted," she told him.

"What are you up to?" Kabir asked with lazy amusement

"Cell phone" she commanded, holding out her hand expectantly

He sighed, looking a little pained as he reluctantly took it out of his shirt pocket, and handed it to her, "This better be good," he then warned.

"Oh it is," Pooja smiled, "Tonight is going to be different than our other nights, and I am going to knock some of that stuffiness out of you," she informed him as she went about the task of undoing his tie and then opening the top button of his shirt, " But first, we got to get you looking more relaxed"

"Hmm that sounds promising," Kabir's arms went around her, "Do I get to undress you, to help you relax too?" he enquired hopefully.

"No," Pooja chastised him, slapping him playfully on the chest, laughing, "That's not the sort of relaxing I meant.. We can do that later"

"Oh," Kabir looked slightly crestfallen.

"Ok, come with me," she grabbed his hand leading him over to the couch, "Right, now kick your shoes of, and sit down, I will be back in a moment."

Kabir decided it was best to humour her. Pooja being pregnant, meant her hormones were acting a little crazy lately, and he had to expect this odd behaviour.

She returned shortly, with a large bowl filled with popcorn, which she sat on the occasional table next to the couch. Then she went over to the large widescreen television, and turned it on,

" Well, I was thinking, if we don't get to go to the movies, then we will bring the movies to us," she then informed him holding up a DVD box and opening it to take the disc out then put it in DVD player

"Ahh! So that what this is all about," Kabir realised with a grin

"Yes, we are going to sit together, relax over some popcorn; whilst watching a movie, and you are not to think or mention work," Pooja stated, "This is an action thriller, so you should like it," she added as she glanced at the DVD box

"If you say so," Kabir replied, watching her scurry over to turn out the lamp so that the only light came from the television screen in front of him.

Pooja then joined him on the couch grabbing the bowl of popcorn as she did so

"There now, isn't this cosy?" she enquired cheerfully and curled up next to him sitting the bowl on his knee

"Mmm, yes I suppose it is," Kabir relented, sliding his arm around her and pulling her even closer whilst making himself more comfortable

"Here have some popcorn," she then offered, holding the bowl up, "I made it myself"

"Your talents are never ending," Kabir remarked dryly, helping himself to a handful,

Pooja giggled, then snuggled up against him, her head resting on his shoulder, as they sat watching the movie, and eating popcorn. .

But they were not thirty minutes into the film, when Pooja felt Kabir's hands starting to idly roam to certain parts of her body, the next she felt, were his lips nuzzling at her neck. It was very distracting, and she found she was fast losing interest in the plot of the movie unfolding before her

"What are you doing?" she laughed, squirming slightly, as his breath lightly tickled the area between her neck and just behind her ear

"Doing what any normal hot blooded male would do, when he takes his lady to the movies," Kabir murmured, "We have the film and the popcorn, so we can't miss out on a bit of necking can we? I mean it can be very relaxing, and it does take my mind of work" he pointed out in a rational tone

"Yes, I guess so," Pooja reluctantly agreed, "But it's kindda hard to concentrate on the film. We won't be able to keep up with what is going on," she then pointed out, her voice catching slightly as Kabir's lips continued to venture to the base of her neck, sending a heated thrill through her

"Well, that is why this is handy," Kabir momentarily abandoned Pooja's neck. He reach over to grab the remote control for the DVD player sitting on her knee, and pushed the pause button

"Hey! That's cheating, you can't do that at the movies," Pooja protested laughing

"Which is why I never go to the damned places," Kabir grinned, then taking the bowl of popcorn, he put it on the floor, "lets just call this the intermission," he suggested wolfishly, as his lips claimed Pooja's,

But she manage to pull away from him for a few moments frowning slightly, "Kabir I don't think this was quite the way I planned on the evening going. Well. maybe I had sort of planned this would happen. But not till much later, after we watched the movie and everything," she weakly protested

"Don't worry about," Kabir replied "I think your plan is going great so far, if I understand it, the whole idea of the evening to get me to loosen up a bit, and be maybe a bit more spontaneous?

"Yeah something like that," Pooja said giggling

"Well what can be more spontaneous, than us 'making out' on the sofa like a couple of horny teenagers?" Kabir queried, "Actually I don't think I had the chance to do this sort of thing back then, so I have to make up for lost time," he grinned. "And what is even better we can do it safely, knowing our parents are not going to turn up and spoil it, Yes," there was a mischievous twinkle in Kabir's brown eyes, " I think this plan of yours is working out just fine."

Pooja threw her head laughing, "I take it all back, you are not stuffy at all, but you are crazy," she told him her hazel eyes dancing with amusement

"I am only crazy when I am around you," Kabir revealed, planting small kisses on her neck again, "So make the most of it"

His mouth found hers again. Pooja wrapped her arms around him, kissing him back, deciding to take his advice. Besides, she told herself, the film didn't seem that good anyway...

"So you are going to be a Daddy at last? It's about time too," Riddima remarked smiling, as she sat at the dining table in Kabir and Pooja's apartment the following week. She and her husband Jeff had come to spend time in England, away from their home in the south of France where they lived for most of the year around

Finding out from Kabir that Riddima was visiting them whilst she was in England, Pooja insisted on making a meal for her and her husband.

It was also a good opportunity to invite Mandira along too, partnered with Luke Conner, the solicitor who helped the Refuge. He had been working along with Mandira on one of their latest cases.

Pooja had confided in Kabir, that she thought that Luke's interest in Mandira was more than just professional. He was just a little older than her, a divorcee with two grown up daughters. And though she wasn't sure Mandira realised that Luke had feelings for her, Pooja thought having them together, relaxing over a meal, with other company might help things along.

Kabir teased Pooja about playing matchmaker, but he was also intrigued to meet this Luke, Which was why they all now sat around the dining table enjoying Pooja's Spaghetti Bolognese. And Kabir, having given Luke the once over, silently agreed that he would suit Mandira well, of anything were to happen between them.

Kabir then found himself mortified that he was interested in other people's affairs of the heart. It was not something he would normally do, and decided to put the blame on Pooja, it was all her fault for trying to loosen him up.

"When the children come along, it changes your whole perspective in life believe me," Riddima then said. "Your priorities change,"

"I can imagine," Kabir replied, "Probably why I have avoided it until now" he then mused

"Of course one of the first things you will probably be wanting. is a new place once the baby comes along"

"We will?" Kabir looked across at his friend questioningly.

"Yes," Riddima replied, "I mean this apartment is very nice, but it is not exactly family friendly. You don't even have a proper garden, it still reminds me too much of a bachelor pad somewhat" she then pointed out

"I have never really thought about it," Kabir replied honestly, "But I guess you do have a point"

"But there is no big hurry," Pooja spoke up with slight dismay. There had been so many upheavals lately. she didn't even want to contemplate house hunting just yet. Besides which, she considered this place a palace compared to what she had been brought up in as a child.

She wondered what Riddima would make of the grotty ground floor flat she had lived with her mother? With it's damp, that seeped through the walls. as well as bug and roaches for constant company. Now that had not been, 'family friendly'.

Pooja shuddered slightly, deciding some memories were best left forgotten.

They were almost through dessert, whilst having a lively discussion about better living conditions for those who were less fortunate, when Mandira's cell phone went of.

She apologised as she searched through her handbag to get it out and answer it. Then excused herself whilst she took the call, going into the next room

When she returned fifteen minutes later, she looked even more apologetic.

"I am so sorry, that's the one thing about this job that can be a pain. It's not your usual nine to five stint, I have to be available twenty four hours sometimes," she explained as she sat back down at the table.

"Is everything ok?" Pooja asked a little anxiously, wondering if everything was alright at the refuge

"Yeah, well nothing for you to worry about," Mandira assured her, but had trouble looking Pooja in the eye.

She had deliberately omitted the fact that the phone call she had just received had been from Kavita wanting to speak with her. Rani's sister had been in contact with the social worker, to let her know that they had an argument and Rani had left. There were concerns that she had returned to go back to Dhruv.

The cause of the argument between Rani and her sister had occurred because Rani wanted to get in touch with Dhruv, to let him know she was going to have his baby. Her sister had told her she didn't think it was a good idea, But in the end Rani had sneaked out in the night, and had not returned.

Kavita had wanted to inform Mandira, in case Rani got in contact with them. But for now Mandira preferred not to say anything to Pooja about it, knowing she would only fret, and start blaming herself again.

Besides, she didn't want to spoil a pleasant evening. She imagined Pooja would find out about Rani soon enough, Mandira was just worried how she was going take it.

 Doubts and fears aplenty

"I can't believe she would go back to him!" Pooja exclaimed a few days later when she finally discovered about Rani, "She couldn't be that desperate"

Mandira sighed, "Pooja, you know as well as I do that sometimes these women fool themselves into believing that they can change their man. There is nothing we say or do can make them see it differently. Sometimes they want it to work so badly, that even a bad relationship is better than no relationship at all. Rani is pregnant with Dhruv's child, and it seems she is determined that he should be part of her child's life, thinking its going to change him"

"But it's not," Pooja declared, "He doesn't deserve to be a father, he should be locked up!" Frustration and annoyance had been building up in her all morning, since she had discovered that Rani had left her sister's.

"There must be something we can do.. an address where we can find her? So at least we could try and talk some sense into her"

"She doesn't want to be found Pooja, and unless she has made a formal complaint against Dhruv, there is nothing we can do," Mandira explained patiently. She understood Pooja's frustration. She had felt it often herself in these cases. Hadn't she begged her daughter to leave the man she was with, but she had not taken any heed and now she was dead, so Mandira was only too aware of the consequences..

But she had also learned over the years, that she had to resign herself to the fact this was the way things sometimes turned out. Unless people willingly wanted their help, they could not force them into doing anything. So they were free to return to their abusive partners, if they chose to do so.

"So we just sit back and do nothing, whilst she puts herself and her unborn child in danger?" Pooja demanded in disgust, then she shook her head, "It's not right Mandira, I know if I had talked to her, told her about what Dhruv done to me... Made her realise he is not going to change after all these years.. The only thing he knows is brute force, and he can't control his temper, especially when he has drink in him. I wish you had let me tell her about it when she was with us, it might have made a difference"

"And it might not have," Mandira immediately replied, "What if she still went back to him and told him she knew about you?" she then pointed out.. "He could try and find this place and you, then where would you be? Do you want to face him again?"

"No of course not," Pooja replied feeling herself inwardly shuddering at the idea

"All we can hope is that Rani realises she has made a mistake and starts to see sense, and tries to contact Kavita or her sister," Mandira said, "So there is no sense in you getting yourself into a state over it. As I keep reminding you Pooja, you have your own responsibilities to worry about now. You are one of the very lucky ones. You managed to get yourself a good life, with a great husband and now a child on the way. Just be grateful for that"

"I am," Pooja replied, "Actually, I'm thankful every day for how my life turned out, which is why I feel bad for Rani. I feel so helpless to do anything for her .. That could have been me, and it scares the hell out of me," she admitted

"This whole thing is bringing out all your old insecurities?" Mandira realised understandingly

"Something like that," Pooja replied, "I just hope Rani does see sense, and returns to her sister, before something happens that she will regret," she added worriedly

"I hope so too," Mandira agreed, "All we can do is wait and see how it goes," she sighed philosophically

It was late in the afternoon, Pooja was driving home after visiting the maternity clinic for her monthly check up. Everything was going great so far, she was pleased to discover. They had done a scan and she couldn't wait to show Kabir the picture they had given her to keep of the baby in her womb, It was a pity he had phoned her to tell her he would be home late again.

She realised that being almost five months pregnant, it was making her very emotional and a little insecure. As pleased and excited she was about the forthcoming baby, she would have liked Kabir to be around, so she could share the experience with him little more.

It didn't help when Suman had phoned her up a few weeks before, on the pretext of pretending to be interested in Pooja's welfare. Somehow the damned woman seem to know how vulnerable she was feeling without her even saying anything specific. Pooja frowned as she recalled the telephone conversation

"I hope Kabir is still giving you all the attention you need, you know now you are pregnant and putting on all that weight? We poor women can feel so un attractive. Sometimes men don't realise that, and they need little reminders, And now that Kabir had achieved his goal of getting you pregnant with his precious heir, I hope he has not just forgotten all about you" she had goaded

Pooja had informed her stiffly that things were fine, but even as she said it, she realised Kabir was working longer hours lately and she hardly seen him.

Now these words kept echoing in Pooja's brain like poison, filling her full of doubts. She found herself wondering if there was a ring of truth in it. Kabir was never around lately, making feeling a little neglected. Perhaps h did believe that she expected him to pay her as much attention. After all now he had got he wanted. She knew she would starting to turn into the clingy demanding little wife he despised, if she kept thinking like this. So she done her best to dismiss her disquieting resentful thoughts and cursed Suman for putting them there.

She told herself that she had always known he was a busy man where his work was concerned. It didn't mean he didn't care about her or the baby, just because he hadn't had much time to show it lately.

She had just pulled into the driveway when she heard her cell phone, hoping it would be Kabir she pulled it out of her bag to answer it

But she didn't recognise the number that came up on her screen. Curious, she answered it hoping it wasn't some PVC window company trying to offer her their latest deal.

"Hello is that Pooja?" a shaky female voice enquired warily

"Yes," Pooja replied, not recognising the voice, "Who is this?"

There was a pause, whoever was on the other end was shifting herself before replying, "It's me, Rani,"

"Rani!" Pooja echoed in surprise. It had been just over two months since she had left her sisters, and they had not heard anymore about her, until now.

"Y-you said I could phone you anytime if I needed your help," Rani then said, Pooja could tell from the unsteadiness of her voice that she was distressed.

"Yes I did, what has happened? Are you alright?" she demanded anxiously

"I-I don't know." Rani replied with a small sob

"Rani where are you?" Pooja then asked urgently

"I am at Dhruv's place.. He-he has just gone out, but I am scared - the baby.. I don't know" Rani replied incoherently through her sobs

Pooja felt herself go cold inside, "Did Dhruv hurt you again?"

But the only sound Pooja could hear down the phone was Rani crying, which confirmed her worst fears

"P- please help me!" Rani pleaded through her sobs

"Of course I will help you Rani, just give me you address and I will come and get you," Pooja told her trying to keep calm

Thankfully she managed to give out the address, much to Pooja's relief

"Just stay where you are, I will be with you as soon as I can, I promise," she told the young woman before hanging up.

Pooja hurriedly phoned Mandira to let her know what had happened and also let her know she was going to help Rani"

"We should really get in contact with Kavita to go along with you?" Mandira said in concerned

"There is no time for that, " Pooja replied "I don't know if something has happened to the baby, she might be having a miscarriage after whatever Dhruv did to her, I have to go now and help her, I can't wait"

"Alright," Mandira reluctantly agreed, "Give me the address and I will get in contact with Kavita to let her know it's an emergency. We will join you as soon as we can, but phone me when you get find Rani and let me know what the situation is"

"I'll do that," Pooja replied, then hurriedly passed on the address to Mandira so she could finally hang up and start the car, not wanting to waste any more time.

It wasn't particularly hard for Pooja to find the address. Dhruv still lived in the same area so she knew it well enough, even if it was a different street he now lived in.

Returning to the area was still not easy for Pooja, as her own memories came flooding back, but she pushed them aside, just concentrating on find Rani.

Finding the door number, she parked her car across on the other side of the pavement and got out, hurrying over knocking on the door. Urgently she opening the letter box called out, "Rani are you ok, its me Pooja, can you answer the door?"

There was some sort of muffled response, which Pooja was unable to really make out. But then after a few moments she heard the click of the lock being undone and the door opened Rani stood bent over a little clutching her swollen stomach. Pooja was horrified to see her lip was cut open and her eyes swollen and now darkening

She manage to step aside to let Pooja enter into the hallway.

"Oh God Rani, why did you come back here to him?" Pooja greeted her in shocked dismay. But then her immediate concern kicked in, "Are you alright? What about the baby.. do you want me to phone an ambulance to take you to the hospital?"

"I-I don't know," Rani replied

"Well I think we should get you checked out, It's better being safe than sorry," she then said helping Rani through to the living room, and made her sit on the sofa. Pooja took out her phone to dial the emergency number to get an ambulance.

Rani was crying again, "I-I thought it would be different if he knew I was going to have his baby. And it was for a little while, but then today was a bad day for him... and he was drinking and got so angry with me...."

"I know exactly what you mean," Pooja replied, "And I understand exactly what you are going through, You see I know all about Dhruv and when he gets angry, I was his victim too." she then informed her softly

Rani just gaped at her, her sobs subsided "W-when, how?" she asked in bewilderment

"It's true. Five years ago or more, I wanted to tell you, but Mandira wouldn't let me. be She was worried Dhruv might try and find me," Pooja then explained, " And he hasn't changed a bit in all those years.. He never will. You are going to have accept it like I did, and get out of this relationship before he kills you and your child. Because that is how this could end. Surely tonight has made you realise that?"

Rani nodded, "Wh-what am I going to do?" she sniffled

"The ambulance will be here soon. We will make sure you are ok, then we are going to make sure Dhruv can't do this to another woman ever again," Pooja replied grimly

She returned to her cellphone to get in contact with Mandira and let her know the situation but as she was about to push the button, a familiar gruff angry voice froze her to the spot

"Rani! who the hell have you got with you?"

Rani let out a little yelp of alarm as she looked up at Pooja, the fear evident in her eyes. Pooja dared herself to turn around, and find Dhruv standing in the doorway of the living room, glaring at them questioning.