Paris (Part 4)

(I will be sharing this story in 5 parts, at the most. Each week, one part will be released taking the story forward. Hope you enjoy reading this one.

For a recap you may read Paris (Part 1) | Paris (Part 2) | Paris (Part 3)

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“Then you tell them that you have one request to make.”, Suresh adds
“One request?”, asks Krishna
“Yes. You will request Manohar Ji to give you 2 lakhs.”, says Suresh
“2 lakhs? I can't do that. He is my father’s friend. I can't ask him money like this. This is not correct.”, says Krishna nodding his head in disagreement to the whole idea
“Do you want to go to Paris or not?”, Suresh asks Krishna
“Yes, but….”, says Krishna as Suresh interrupts
“And the money is not just for you. You have 50 thousand and if Manohar Ji gives you 2 lakhs, then with 2.5 lakhs I will arrange travel for both of you. So think, it will be a wedding gift from Manohar Ji for his daughter. I don't think he will disagree to that.”, convinces Suresh
“But do you think this is the only way left.”, asks Krishna in doubt
“If you have a better one then please share.”, says Suresh irritated at Krishna’s lack of trust
“No”, replies Krishna in disappointment
“If you have faith in me then this is the only plan. And take this money as a gift from your father-in-law. What is wrong in that? However, if you still feel guilty about it, then gradually return him the money after your Paris trip. Convince him that. I do not think he will deny to this proposition.”, Suresh convinces him
“Yes, you are right. This way I will be keeping my father’s promise, marry Manohar Ji's daughter and visit Paris. I do not think he will deny if I promise to repay later. Yes, I will talk to him.”, says Krishna, all charged up
“Ok then, let me know when to apply for passport and do the bookings. The day you come with all the cash, the next day I will start with the process and then you will fly to your dream land.”, says Suresh
“Thanks Suresh bhai, thanks for your help. You are such a nice man.”, says Krishna and hugs him
There are two to three people already waiting outside with similar dreams as Krishna. Krishna gives them an assuring smile and leaves.

In the next five days, Krishna manages to carefully inform Mrs. Sheila of the wedding proposal he had in his previous visit. He requests for leave for a while. Considering the situation, Mrs. Sheila allows him and also gives some money as wedding gift. Krishna requests an old work friend to fill in as their driver when he is on leave. He visits Manohar Ji and apologizes for his previous actions.

As suggested by Suresh, he makes the marriage proposal with the monetary proposition. He shares the Paris plan along with the proposal. He cautiously tries to explain it as a gift for Radha, Manohar Ji’s daughter. After a bit of initial disagreement and hesitation, Manohar Ji agrees to give the amount but only after the wedding is over. Krishna accedes.

The wedding date falls after 2 weeks. Things turn out as per his plan but still Krishna feels restless. May be it is the excitement of the approaching wedding date. It is after this date that he would fulfil his much awaited desire of visiting Paris. Finally the date arrives and he marries Radha. As promised Manohar Ji gives him the two lakhs cash. The newlywed then stay in the village for a week for all the after wedding rituals. Krishna wants to run back as soon as he can.

After the stay in his village, Krishna and Radha return to the city. The next day, he goes to Suresh’s office with a bag full of money and documents. However, Suresh is not there. The young boy in his office informs Krishna that Suresh would return only after a week. Another week of waiting becomes difficult for him. Radha is also excited to travel along with her beloved husband. This wait time unnerves Krishna. They do not visit any place in the city thinking it might jeopardize their Paris trip. All they do is, patiently wait.

After one week

The longest week of his life is finally over. He visits Suresh for his Paris trip.
“Welcome. Sorry could not attend your wedding. Congratulations.Give my regards to your wife.”
“Thank you Suresh bhai.”
“So, you got the cash and documents.”, asks Suresh
“Yes. 2.5 lakhs and all the documents you told are in this bag. Here, take it and book the tickets.”, says Krishna eagerly
Suresh takes the bag and gives it to his office boy. They exchange smiles and he says, “Look at this man. He is more excited to go to Paris than his wedding.”
“You will not understand Suresh bhai. It is only for you that I am going to Paris. I owe you for life.”, says Krishna in gratitude
“It’s ok. Don’t get so emotional. In fact, it is because of your father-in-law. It will take four weeks for your passports and tickets.”, says Suresh
“Four weeks? I thought it will be done in one or two weeks.”, says Krishna in desperation
“Everybody is applying for passport. There is a lot of rush. I need to apply for two passports. Then some more formalities at the passport office. Both of you have to come along with me for that. I will inform you. Once that is done you will get your passports. Only then I can book your tickets. You waited so many years just few more weeks.”, explains Suresh
“Ok I will wait. Take this number if you want to contact me. So see you soon.”, says Krishna loudly as he waves goodbye to Suresh and the office boy.

After Krishna returns to his servant’s quarter, he is extremely happy. He tells Radha that they should start packing for the trip. He decides to complete all pending tasks in these four weeks. He also musters up courage to inform Sahab ji and Madam ji about his trip due in four weeks. However, for some vague reason of his own he chooses not to inform them that the trip is to Paris. Since its vacation time at Maya’s school and considering it must be a honeymoon trip for the newlywed, they allow.

It is only little Maya, his friend, who knows about his secret trip. He also promises Maya to get her a beautiful gift from Paris. Krishna and Radha start collecting photos of places they need to visit in Paris. Maya helps them with that furtively. He is feeling a sense of pride for being the first one from his village to travel abroad.

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Paris - Finale

Image Credits - Google Images
Story © Copyright Salvwi Prasad