Thanks to Sid for the idea...
Chapter 1
Babu Ram was broken! Even though he was wailing at the top of his voice, he could hear his heart being shattered into a million pieces. It was as if the shriek was emerging from the dying embers of his heart and being transmitted via his vocal chords. He cried and he shouted, and very soon, turned to abuses. His wife was dead. So was his unborn son, his first son, his heir, his everything!
At 62, it was a miracle that his wife got pregnant again. They didn't know his age but she was definitely above 40. Babu Ram was already in his 30s when he married her. As a relatively short man with a scarred black face and no money in his pocket, he had no suitors. It was only when he had worked for 15 years as a gardener that he earned enough to look for a wife.
And very soon, he found Vimla Devi. The adopted daughter of a village trader who just wanted her gone from his home. In India, it's generally the groom's family that pays dowry, but with Babu Ram, it was the opposite. He paid the trader a few thousand rupees to ask for his daughter's hand.
Vimla Devi had no say in the deal. She was scared of the fact that she was marrying a much older guy, but for her the home she lived in was no paradise either. Deep in her heart, she hoped that she might finally get some love. And she did!
Babu Ram loved her from day one. She wasn't exceptionally beautiful, but judging by his looks, she was a lottery. In just 8 months after their marriage, they were blessed with a baby girl. Babu Ram wanted a boy, but he was still fine with a girl as long as the next one could be a boy.
Though, the next time, it was a girl again. Then again and again and again. In a few years, the couple had 9 daughters. The financial burden was immense. They had to save up for their marriage. It was all very bleak. But Babu Ram still hoped for a boy. He just wanted someone to carry his name and existence. Even though he was poor and ugly, he too was human. He too wanted his identity to live on for generations. He too wanted a progeny to take care of him and wife when they were old. And after the life he'd had, he deserved at least this much.
But, it simply didn't happen. Vimla Devi had given up and Babu Ram was at the last threads of hope. Then, as if like a miracle, Vimla Devi became pregnant again. After the shock died down, there was anxiety. What if this is another girl. Babu Ram wanted to be sure. He couldn't afford yet another girl. Even though, sex determination of the fetus is illegal in India, Babu Ram asked around and got to know of a doctor who would do it for a fee. He almost emptied his life's savings to get the test done and saved the rest for abortion, just in case.
IT WAS A BOY! Yes, God had heard him. It was a boy! Babu Ram was so elated that he distributed sweets in the entire village, oblivious of the fact that everyone judged him for becoming a father at 60. They munched on the sweets and secretly giggled.
Babu Ram didn't care thought. He was gonna have a son. His dream would come true, albeit it was decades late.
Then - the accident. Babu Ram and Vimla Devi were returning from the doctor's on his bicycle. Babu Ram was riding with a wide smile on his face. The baby looked healthy, despite the bizarre pregnancy. One more month and he would be born. He also had a name for him, Ram Prasad! While musing and ruminating, Babu Ram next saw himself in the air. He thought he was daydreaming a little too intensely. He looked around him, and he was really floating in the air. He thought about spreading his arms to try and fly, but right then he fell on the ground with a loud thud.
There were cries all around and sudden sound of brakes screeching. He saw Vimla Devi, she was in a pool, a pool of blood. Peacefully sinking into the realms of death. He turned around and a saw a young man in his 20s in a car. Their eyes met for an instant and then the young man bolted across in his BMW, but not before Babu Ram had noted his car's number in his mind.
His wife was gone. His son was gone. His dream was gone. Babu Ram felt like dying at the same moment. His back was scratched and there were a few other wounds, but he was alright. He lamented that fact. He wanted to be dead. Not in physical and emotional pain in the middle of the read. He wanted to die. But not before he got his revenge.
"
Mai tereko chhodunga nahi!
(I won't spare you)" He mumbled to himself.
Chapter 2
Babu Ram later found himself at the police station. There were a lot of policemen asking him questions, but all he heard was a buzz. A few minutes later, he spoke out the car's number.
"Kumar, go and run this number plate!"
The inspector tried to console Babu Ram, but the old man was still stunned. Then, Kumar came running back.
"Sir, the number plate belongs to..." he lowered his voice, "Mr. Singhania's son! "
"Oh, we're so fucked! Get me Mr. Singhania's number, I'll call him."
The inspector called the business tycoon and soon, a fleet of around 10 cars arrived outside the police station.
Mr. Singhania, one of the richest men of India and an aspiring Member of Parliament walked in, followed by at least 20 people, all dressed up in suits. He was more than 6 feet tall and had a radiant demeanor around him. As he walked, it seemed as if the fate of millions kept changing. He was and appeared that powerful!
Babu Ram saw him and was startled. They must be almost the same age, but the different in class was striking. But, what happened next was the most remarkable. The big man folded his hands in front of Babu Ram.
"Babu Ram ji!
Mai apne bete ki taraf se aapse maafi maangta hoon!"
(I apologise on the behalf of my son)
Mr. Singhania's voice was strong and mighty, but it appeared to falter for a moment.
"I can't bring your wife back, but I can give you a new life."
"I will pay you 50 thousand rupees per month to become my new gardener plus bonuses. Not just that, I will create a fund only for your daughters' marriage. The oldest one is in her 20s, right? Start with her, then all 9 would be sponsored by me. You will work and stay in my property and would be given an independent hut inside it! All you have to do, is keep quiet about what happened. Are you okay with it?"
Babu Ram wanted to scream. He wanted to hold the rich man by his collar and slap him. He thought money would bring back his wife? His son?
"
Theek hai,
Singhania ji!" He meekly obeyed.
Even though he would do anything to kill this man and his son, but he had to be smart. He couldn't fight someone so powerful, not without a strategy. He still had to think about his daughters. The pay was extraordinary! He would work there and silently think of a way to get his revenge.
"Thank you, Babu Ram! And I am sorry, again!"
Mr. Singhania folded his hands again and turned back. As he did that, one of his employees also left a bag full of cash at the inspector's table, who bowed his head as a token of thanks.
Chapter 3
One week later
The week went by swiftly for Babu Ram. He performed his wife's last rites, and then entertained all the people who visited him to console him. He didn't tell anyone about what happened except his daughters. They were furious, not just at the rich asshole who killed their mother, but also at their father. How could he accept a deal so easily?
But they didn't understand what Babu Ram did. He also hated himself for not being able to take revenge, but deep down he knew, one day he will get even. He was sure that he will get his revenge!
As he dug soil to plant new trees in Mr. Singhania's garden, tears rolled down his eyes. This bloody family killed his offspring, yet he was bringing new life to their home. Unable to see clearly, he randomly struck his gardening tool on the ground. Just then, he heard the sweetest voice he'd ever heard.
"Babu Ram ji!"
He thought he had died and it was his wife's voice--from the younger days. The voice called out to him again:
"Babu Ram ji!
Chai lelo!"
He wasn't in heaven. The voice was coming from behind him. He turned and was struck by lightning. In front of him, stood the most stunning woman he had come across.
She was almost 5'6, wearing a shiny red saree and holding a cup of tea in a tray. Her perfectly black hair flowed from her head till her breasts, curling over the right one. Her skin was so white that it put the sun to shame. Hanging from her ears were jhumkas that could stop men's hearts within seconds.
Then, he made eye contact with her. He was old, but not that old that his knees would give away. But, they indeed did, as he fell down.
"Babu Ram ji!"
The woman lend him her hand. He got up but couldn't leave her hand, it felt like he held a bar of gold. She carefully squeezed out her hand, bringing him out of his enchantment.
"Babu Ram ji, I am Aditi. Madhav's wife and Mr. Singhania's daughter-in-law. I brought you tea!"
"Memsahib, I am sorry. I just...wasn't in the right state of mind."
Babu Ram quickly wiped the tears from his eyes and stood firm in front of the gorgeous woman. He then grabbed the cup of tea and sipped on it.
"I can understand!"
"
Chai bahut achi hai!"
(The tea is fantastic)