9 The Queen of the Hearth Part 9

Maa called four hours after she left. She had already reached Delhi and was going to hire an auto to Mr Kamal Sharan's place who lived in a 3-bedroom flat in a posh society at Preet Vihar. He lived on the ground floor and had a small lawn in front – which was a luxury in Delhi.

Jassi's heart was beating hard. She was trying her best to keep herself calm and think nothing. Radha had brought her lunch and dinner and took the washed utensils away dutifully but she maintained her distance from crazy Rani.

Maa did not call that night. She called in the morning.

"Your uncle seems to be genuinely worried about you. Your aunt and his kids couldn't care less. He said that for two years, he had been trying to find a clue about where you could be and was puzzled over you running with a dog. She asked what you were wearing and when I said that you were wearing a simple suit, he seemed distraught. He also said that a tall, fair and handsome man once came to him with a clue to your whereabouts.

He said that you were married to his friend and were living happily with him in a foreign country. He also told her that though you didn't wish to see Mr Kamal again, he could tell him where you were if he paid him Rs 50,000. Your uncle is a smart man. He refused to give any money to the man until he met you.

The man became abusive and said that his uncle is a suspicious character and he suspected that you were his 'bastard' child. He even swore that he would never see you again. Your uncle kicked him out.

Your uncle offered me the money if I could bring you to him. I told him that I have no other details about you except that I saw you running with a dog in a yellow suit. He looked crestfallen at such flimsy news and also conjectured that if you were running in such a state, perhaps you were not as happy as the tout wanted him to believe.

I am going to catch the train now and will be there with you by the evening. We will discuss this then."

Jassi was waiting for Maa eagerly. She was sure that it was Renny who had gone to her uncle to try and extract some money from him, and when he failed to do so, he purposely said words that would poison her mind against him.

But Maa did not return by the evening or the next morning or the morning after that. She did not call either. Radha had to ask Rani about her but when Rani (Jassi) said she didn't know, Radha could do nothing but believe her. How much can a crazy girl understand things like these?

Maa was like a mother to Jassi in the real sense. Till now, she had only experienced a semblance of motherly love at the homes of few friends she had in schools where their mothers would hug her too or put oil in her hair or cook favourite foods for the poor orphan. Maa was the first person in her life who had been trying to help Jassi at all levels – she was her counsellor, nurturer, and even took a risk by going to her uncle. Jassi was not going to lose her. She would not allow that. She had let the life take her for granted but now, she was ready to stand and fight.

On the third morning when Radha entered her room, Jassi told her,

"Radha, I am going to Delhi to bring back Maa. I have my phone with me. If Maa comes back, tell her to call me."

Radha was staring at Jassi with her mouth agape. She did not know that this girl could talk – and talk so sensibly. But she resisted.

"Rani, I cannot allow that. You are not well. I cannot allow you to go alone."

Jassi knew Radha was worried about her. After all, she knew her to be crazy.

"Don't worry, Radha. Maa brought me to Agra for treatment. I am taking my medicines and therapy. I am alright now. Even my doctor said that I can go out now. I am worried about Maa. I will go to Delhi and see if she is okay or not. Don't forget to tell Maa to call me if she comes back."

Radha nodded her head in 'yes' and left the room. She was not sure whether it was the right decision or not. If Rani got lost or never came back, she would say that Rani had run away sometime after breakfast and she doesn't know anything about it.