BEAUTY OF INNOCENCE

Victor's mother was aiming at getting the compensation for her property, which had been assessed during the valuation process. Along with Sandra's marriage, the ownership of all the property was transferred to Bernard's name. Yet, since Sandra had terminated her relationship with Bernard, her mother argued that the ownership of the property should be given to her. Bernard in response to her claim presented his logic scattering all her expectations within a fraction of a second. He directly pronounced that Sandra was still his legal wife and mother-in-law had no right whatsoever to ask for anything.

He further explained that it was Sandra who could decide the legal matters related to all those property with him but nobody else. He left no room for his mother in law to make claims any further and Victor or his mother never expected that kind of logic from Bernard either.

"Bernard…I transferred all these properties to my sister's name leaving no doubts. Even I didn't claim anything. If it were to be reasonable, only half could have been written to her name…" His tone was rather slow.

The mother in law looked at them with a heavy heart.

"Yes, I admit it… but the legal ownership is with Sandra… if she tells, I can even give all of these…"

"It is Sandra who asked me to decide these matters with you…" she took the advantage of the given opportunity.

"These things cannot be done over a call or by a word of mouth…! Sandra can meet me and settle all these…" A sarcastic smile drew on his face.

Victor realized that Bernard was well prepared to face anything g that came on his way.

"Bernard, you have that matrimonial right. That's true. But it is registered under my sister's name… So she also has a right to claim…"

"Yes… I didn't say 'no'… But all the property acquired were gazette to the name of my enterprise… To come to a settlement, she has to speak with my lawyers…"

"Bernard you are my brother's son… all these are our Pappa's… No need to get involved in court cases… why can't we negotiate and settle these things…?" Bernard's cunning look made his mother in law rather annoyed.

"Did she ever negotiate with me to take decision after going to Australia…! At least, was she kind enough to answer a call given by me…? What's the mistake I have committed…?" Bernard's pulse rate went up.

"Bernard, I too have a right through succession for a portion of this property though I have no legal documents to prove… Can't you think of it…?"

Victor was not at ease as finding a solution to the problem was getting from bad to worse.

"Do not have doubts regarding that of course. Victor, not only your portion, but from Sandra's compensation also I'll your share…"

Though Sandra's mother released a long sigh, it was clear for Victor that there's something hidden in what Bernard expressed.

"I didn't properly get what you said Bernard..." Bernard cast a subtle look at Victor.

"I shall explain… I'll give everything to the person in whose body your blood runs… Don't have any doubts…"

Victor got a shock to after comprehending what Bernard said to him. A mark of helplessness drew on his look. By that time, he realized that it was pointless arguing with Bernard.

"About what, Bernard is talking son…?"

Victor remained silent before his mother's question.

He had no answer to be given. The necessity didn't arise to analyze matters as she was well aware of everything.

"I was talking about Victor's and Yasawathi's child…!'

"What a disgrace…! That bitch had gone astray and made children… why should we give our property to them…? Why don't you speak my son…?"

The proud woman needed his son's support to continue in favor of her legacy. But the son was silent. The serious mistake committed, about eighteen years ago by Victor, not by Yasawathi, was known to him much better than anyone else.

"Are you trying to bring disgrace to our family Bernard…? If Papa had been here, he would have chased you out of the family too…"

"Who says that stray woman's child is my son's…? Where's evidence…?"

Victor bent down his head helplessly.

"Aunty, as soon as Sandra saw that child she told that she was nobody else's but victor's child…. she sent some of the photos of that child as well… Victor…. you saw them with your own eyes… Didn't you…?" Victor shook his head in agreement.

"You all are mad…! To transfer our property to nowhere bitch…! Even if you proclaim that standing on your head, I won't believe that child is ours…"

He took out a white cigar and lit it taking a few seconds. He quietly observed the restless nature of both mother and son, in his companion.

"Periyavar… Periyavar…" He called out his faithful servant.

When he was coming up through the flight of steps, Bernard again broke silence.

"Ask Koinamma to take her niece here…"

The mother's behavior indicated that she had no desire to see the face of Victor's daughter. Yet, Victor found it difficult to hide his reactions as he had an urge to see his daughter. A few minutes elapsed marking total silence. Nandana Menike stepped into the second floor following her grandma. In every aspect Nandana Menike resembled Sandra. Her hair style, her face, eyes, nose almost everything. For the first time Victor could see his eldest daughter through the lenses of his own eyes. His mouth went dry.

"Can you tell me Victor… according to your conscience, 'THIS CHILD IS NOT YOURS…!"

Victor couldn't take his eyes away from Nandana Menike. She raised her head slowly and had a glance at her father. Victor's mother, who had looked away angrily, slowly turned her head towards Nandana Menike. She couldn't believe her eyes as she saw Sandra was standing in front of her. Tears flowed to Nandana Menike's eyes as with her father and his mother gazing at her being petrified, without taking her close to them. She sensed that they were not prepared to welcome her as their daughter. Koinmenika took her and embraced her as Nandana Menike was her invaluable treasure and also wanted to take her away from getting further embarrassed.

Victor without any second thought admitted that Nandana Menike was her daughter. Victor walked up to the telephone and spoke with Sandra about Nandana Menike's future and the decision he was going to take. He explained his inability to accept Nandana Menike owing to his wife's health condition, taking the custody of the child or being the custodian of the child would create a lot of family problems. Victor's mother attempted to take the custody of the child after a brief conversation between them. Yet, Bernard stood against it explaining the reasons that without the consent of Yasawathi and Koinmenika, it would not be possible for them to take the custody of the child.