Chapter Forty-One: Deserving Stays, Others Leave

The morning was a busy one for Nehmat as she had some parcels to export to the U.K. Meanwhile, Anushka, Virat, Vamika, and Shubman were given a home tour along with a vineyard tour by Evelyn.

The house was an enormous estate, sprawling across a vast piece of land that left Shubman's eyes nearly popping out of their sockets in amazement. The main house itself was a grand, multi-story mansion with large windows offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Adjacent to the mansion was an extensive vineyard that seemed to stretch endlessly, with rows of grapevines meticulously lined up and basking in the sunlight. The vineyard was not just vast but beautifully maintained, showcasing the rich, green foliage of the grapevines against the backdrop of the majestic Alps.

Behind the mansion, there was a beautifully manicured garden, a true oasis of tranquillity. The garden featured winding pathways lined with vibrant flower beds, lush green lawns, and ornate fountains that added a touch of elegance. Various types of flowers and plants bloomed in every corner, filling the air with a delightful fragrance. There were cosy seating areas scattered throughout, perfect for enjoying the serene environment. The garden seamlessly blended into the expansive vineyard beyond, creating a harmonious transition from cultivated beauty to the natural splendour of the grapevines.

Nestled within the property setting was a vineyard machinery factory, a unique facility where both handmade and machine-produced wines were crafted. This factory combined the charm of traditional winemaking methods with the efficiency of modern technology. Inside, one could see artisans skillfully working on handmade wines, their expertise evident in every precise movement, while advanced machinery operated smoothly, producing large batches of wine with perfect consistency.

The entire estate, with its grand mansion, expansive vineyards, and sophisticated machinery factory, was beautifully nestled between the Alps, creating a breathtaking scene of natural beauty and human ingenuity.

When the tour finally ended, they reached Nehmat's office where she was busy signing papers. Nehmat's office was elegant and simple, exuding a sense of calm and professionalism. The room was tastefully decorated with minimalistic furniture, featuring a sleek wooden desk and comfortable chairs. Large windows allowed natural light to flood the space, highlighting the subtle, neutral tones of the decor. A few carefully chosen pieces of art adorned the walls, and a neatly organized bookshelf stood in one corner. The overall ambience of the office was one of understated sophistication and efficiency.

She instructed her team before signing them off, her eyes crinkling at the end as she noticed Vamika and Anushka, as usual, paying little attention to the men. Evelyn took charge, helping the team load the parcels and giving the family some privacy.

Vamika dashed over, settling herself comfortably on Nehmat's lap, while she gestured for Anushka to take a seat nearby. Meanwhile, the other males, uninvited, seemed to invite themselves into the space.

"Nini, the place is so big, you need to have a golf cart for going here and there. My legs are tired from all the walking," Vamika remarked dramatically, laying her head on her aunt's chest.

Laughing, Nehmat gently slapped Vanika's back. "Drama queen, you are," she teased affectionately.

Anushka leaned her chin on her palm, a proud smile on her face. "I am so proud of you," she said. "It feels like just yesterday when you wanted to join sports just to be with your paaji, and look at you now, the world's number one winemaker and a successful businesswoman."

Virat held back his emotions as he listened, watching Nehmat chuckle with one arm around Vamika, tapping her nails on the table. Her words hit him hard. "Priorities change, Bhabhi," she said softly.

Virat bit his lip, struggling to hold back tears. Anushka had spoken those words because she wanted to initiate a conversation, wanting Nehmat to have a heart-to-heart with her brother. She threw her next tactic into the mix.

"Well, Nehmat, I want to taste some wine. Where can I do that?" she asked her tone light but with a hint of intention behind it.

"Bhabhi, give me a few minutes. I'll check the emails and then I'll let you taste some," Nehmat said, turning her chair toward her desk, ready to dive into her inbox. But Anushka halted her.

"Wait, I think Evelyn has completed her work. I'll go with her," Anushka suggested, her gaze shifting towards the window.

"But Bhabhi..." Nehmat began, but Anushka cut her off.

"You do the work, we will go with Evelyn. Come on, Vamika," said Anushka decisively. Vamika quickly hopped off from Nehmat's lap, sensing her Mama's intentions.

Meanwhile, Shubman remained stuck in his seat, hesitant to move. Any moment with Nehmat was an opportunity for him to plead his case, but Anushka intervened, pulling him up by his collar.

"You're coming too. I heard you're a fan of the wine," she declared, not giving him a chance to protest.

Nehmat sighed, shaking her head, knowing very well what Anushka had just orchestrated. Her gaze only turned to the computer screen once the three of them were out of sight. Not bothering to look at Virat, she wore her glasses, resting them on the brim of her nose, and went through the emails.

Virat took a deep breath, his voice thick with emotion as tears welled up in his eyes. "I am so proud of you. You haven't studied business, yet you've become one of the most successful in the world in just three years. How did you do it? It's just so impressive."

Nehmat, her eyes still fixed on the computer screen, pinched her lips slightly as she sifted through the emails. "Life teaches you things," she replied simply, a response that seemed to hold the weight of many unspoken questions.

Virat, unable to control his emotions any longer, broke into sobs. "Can't you forgive your Paaji? Please, it's... you've given me the feeling of brotherhood. I can't bear to have you away from my life," he pleaded, his voice choked with tears.

Nehmat shut off the computer, resting her glasses on her forehead as she folded her hands, her expression serious. "For 18 years, you ignored me, and you were doing pretty well without me, so why the sudden drama?" she asked, her tone firm.

Virat, frustrated and in tears, banged his hand on the table. "I'm not doing drama, Nehmat. I have missed you, and I always have. I was compelled," he said, his voice croaking with emotion.

"Compelled with what, listening to Meera who was younger? Got no authority over yourself? Or only in front of me? Oh right, because I was adopted," Nehmat spat back calmly, her words laced with bitterness.

Virat recoiled at Nehmat's words, feeling the sting of her accusation. He swallowed hard, struggling to find the right words to respond. After a moment of silence, he spoke, his voice wavering with emotion.

"I know I made mistakes, Nehmat. I know I hurt you, and I regret it every day. But please, try to understand... I was young, and I was scared. I didn't know how to handle things. I thought ignoring you would make it easier, but it only made things worse. I'm sorry, Nehmat. I'm so sorry," Virat pleaded, his eyes brimming with new tears.

"Young till a certain age, after that even Meera was in London. What about that time? What about the time we were living in the same house with Bhabhi and Vamika?" Nehmat said, her expression still devoid of emotion, remaining calm and composed.

Virat's breath caught in his throat as Nehmat's words sank in. Memories flooded his mind, moments he had tried to push aside but couldn't forget. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, feeling the weight of Nehmat's gaze on him.

"I... I know, Nehmat. I can't change the past, but I wish I could. I wish I had been there for you like a brother should. But I was selfish, caught up in my own world," Virat admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

As Virat saw Nehmat looking at him without reacting, he felt a pang of desperation. "Mum misses you every day. It had been a routine, crying and holding onto a frame of you before going to bed, wishing you would be there the next morning in the house, burying your face in her shoulder and telling her how much you missed her," he added, his voice filled with regret and longing.

A flicker of emotion passed through Nehmat's eyes, and a gasp went through her body without her opening her mouth. She missed her Mumma dearly, every single day. No matter how cold-hearted she had become, every night before bed, she would talk to her framed photograph. Did Shubman, Virat, and Meera's deeds have to be suffered by her Mum? No, not at all. If she had given Vamika and Bhabhi a chance, her Mum surely deserved it before anyone else.

Closing her eyes briefly, Nehmat looked at Virat. "I will call her," she said, offering a glimmer of hope to Virat that maybe the cracks were beginning to be filled. But her next words shattered that hope like water being poured on freshly laid cement.

"The only one who deserves stays. Everyone else must leave," she added, her tone final, leaving no room for further discussion.

Picking up her phone, Nehmat walked out of the office, leaving Virat slumped in his chair, sobbing. He couldn't comprehend what he had done to the family he was meant to bind together; he felt like he had shattered it with his own hands. He hadn't anticipated that Nehmat would turn so cold-hearted, rendering any words of forgiveness futile. Was there any weapon that could break the walls she had built around her heart? Love and sorry surely weren't enough.