EPISODE 319
Written by: Bre L Drew
November 25, 2024
Last Time on Town and Country
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Jai and Mala were looking forward to their small intimate wedding ceremony as their old school friends, the Choudhury's planned to make the trip from their native United Kingdom to attend.
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Overcome with shock and anger, Martha made her feelings known to Murray as he informed her, he only came back into her and their son's lives because he wanted her back, causing her to drop out of the tour.
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Lenny's leukemia continues to take an emotional toll on not only herself but her family too, as a match for a potential bone marrow transplant hasn't been found.
VICTORY COTTAGE
One week later, the backyard and interior of Victory Cottage had been transformed into a warm, festive setting for the remarriage of Jai and Mala Gupta. Fairy lights draped the trees, floral arrangements lined the tables, and excitement fills the air.
Upstairs, Mala is in her bedroom, dressed in a satin brown robe holding her phone to her ear, talking to Jai, who was at his apartment, also getting ready for the ceremony.
“I do not think we are breaking any of those superstitious rules by speaking to one another before the ceremony.” Mala said with a playful smile. “And anyway, we've already been married. Nothing’s going to stop us from pledging our love in front of everyone we care about.”
Jai chuckles on the other end of the line. “Exactly. Today’s just making it official in every way that matters.”
The doorbell rang, interrupting their conversation. “I’ll let you finish getting ready,” Mala said warmly. “See you soon.”
As the call ends, Aaliyah Gupta, also dressed in a matching brown robe, passed by her mother on the way downstairs. She opened the door to find Lena Choudhury standing on the porch, wrapped in a designer coat, her face lighting up with excitement,
“Mommy! Get down here!” Aaliyah called.
Mala rushes downstairs, and her face breaks into a radiant smile as she sees her best friend. “Lena!” she exclaimed, pulling her into a warm hug. “You’re here!"
Her best friend informed her she was making the eight-plus-hour journey from their native London to witness the nuptials.
Lena chuckles. “Of course, I’m here. How could I miss this? Raj sends his love, by the way. He wanted to come, but work kept him away at the last minute.” She then grins mischievously. “But I didn’t come alone.”
Before Mala could ask, Jesminder Choudhury stepped into view, a wide smile on her face. “Surprise!”
Mala gasps at the sight of the younger strikingly beautiful woman in her mid-thirties standing before her. “Jes!” she exclaims, rushing forward to embrace her. “It’s been years!” She pulled back, her smile glowing with joy, and turned to Lena, arching a brow. “You said she couldn’t make it.”
Jes shrugs, her grin lively. “Turns out I managed to delegate some of my caseload in Toronto. No way was I missing Jai and your biggest day."
Their laughter filled the entryway, the warmth of the moment enveloping them.
Aaliyah stood off to the side, watching with a soft smile before clearing her throat. “Okay, okay, we love a good reunion, but Mommy, we’ve got to get you ready.”
Mala glances down at her satin brown robe and laughed. “You’re right. Let’s go.” She gestured for them to follow, the four women heading upstairs, their chatter and excitement echoing through the cottage.
Lena and Jes place their coats on the rack by the door, revealing their elegant outfits. Lena wore a long-sleeve desert sand-colored dress with a matching bag and heels, exuding understated grace. Jes sports a chic sleeveless metallic halter maxi dress, her purse and shoes perfectly complementing the look.
“You look stunning, both of you,” Mala said, squeezing Jes’s hand.
“And you’re going to be the most beautiful bride for the second and hopefully last time,” Lena adds.
As the four women headed upstairs to finish getting ready, their sounds carries through the house, blending with the anticipation of what the day would bring.
FRANKLIN FARM: MAIN HOUSE
In her bedroom upstairs at the main house on Franklin Farm, Martha Saunders stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out the pleats of her dark red long-sleeve dress. The rich color complemented her hair, which she had styled for the occasion. She glances over her shoulder at her five-year-old son, SJ Saunders, who sits on the bed, swinging his feet idly.
“Come on, sweetie,” she urged gently. “We need to be ready to leave soon.”
SJ looks up, his small brows furrowed in confusion. “Why hasn't Dad called me?”
Martha’s heart twinges at the innocent question. She forced a calm tone. “Let’s get those shoes on first, okay?” She guided him to sit at the top of the stairs, helping him fasten the straps on his shoes.
As she returned to her room, her reflection caught her eye again, and for a moment, her mind wandered. The memory of Murray came rushing back—his sudden kiss, the way he came onto her, and the harsh reality that followed in Portland.
His actions had ended her tour prematurely, but worse, they had solidified what she had already feared: he had no intention of being a real father to SJ. Anger bubbled up, not just at Murray, but at herself. How could she have been so foolish to believe he’d changed? She thought of how much time she’d wasted being hung up on him, and worse, how Samuel had pointed out and most importantly the toll it took on her attention to SJ.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the chime of the doorbell. She headed downstairs but froze unexpectedly when she opened the door to see Samuel Gupta standing on the porch. He wore a coat against the cool weather but underneath was a crisp tuxedo, ready for his role in his father’s wedding.
“Samuel!” she said, startled. “I thought we were meeting you at the house.”
Samuel smiles, though his brow furrowed slightly at her tone. “I thought I’d come by to pick you and the little man up. Besides I wanted to see how you were doing.” He stepped inside, taking in her expression. “Be honest with me, what happened with the tour?”
Martha’s gaze drops momentarily. “It didn’t work out,” she said quickly. “And you were right… about everything.”
Samuel studies her face, his concern deepening. “Martha, is everything okay? What happened?”
She held up a hand, cutting him off gently. “Not now. We’ll talk about it later, I promise. Right now, I just need to finish getting ready.”
Samuel hesitates, sensing her deflection. “Are you sure? You seem—”
“I’m fine,” she insisted, though her voice softened. “There are just some things we need to discuss. But not today.”
Samuel nodded slowly, though his unease lingered. “Okay. But I’m here, Martha. You know that, right?”
Martha gave him a small, grateful smile. “I know."
With that, she steps away, heading back upstairs to check on SJ, while Samuel waited in the living room, his mind already turning over the unspoken weight of her words.
LOCKHART LAKE COTTAGE
The gray sky hung low over the lake, casting a dim, overcast light into the Lockhart residential cottage. The water outside was still, reflecting the thick clouds above. In the kitchen, Louise Saunders Lockhart and her daughter, Tanner Lockhart sits at the table, sharing a modest breakfast of toast, blueberry oatmeal, and orange juice.
Tanner swirls her spoon in her oatmeal, glancing at her mother. “You may not feel comfortable answering this, but how do you feel about Jai and Mala getting married today?"
Louise gave a small, contemplative smile. “Jai deserves every bit of happiness, even if... well, it came out of everything falling apart.”
Her voice softens, the memory of last summer briefly surfacing—her close moment with Sean, Jai’s heartbreak, and the broken engagement. She shook her head slightly, focusing on the present. “Truly, I wish them both the best.”
Tanner leans back in her chair while taking a sip of her juice. “You’re really okay with it?”
Louise nods, her smile more intent now. “I am. It’s all in the past. Besides, your father and I... we’re finding our way back to each other. I think it worked out the way it should.”
Before Tanner could respond with her own situation involving Tommy and Presley, soft, uneven footsteps shuffled into the room. Lenny Lockhart appears in the doorway in a black Adidas sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. Her buzzcut, stark against her pale face, seemed more pronounced, making her look fragile—paler than usual, the toll of chemotherapy and her months-long battle with leukemia etched into her every movement.
“Morning, Lynn,” Louise greeted her gently, watching Lenny closely. “How are you feeling today?”
“So-so,” Lenny replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She lingers by the door and then makes her way slowly to the counter.
“Do you want something to eat?” Tanner asked, looking up from her bowl.
Lenny shook her head faintly. “I don't think I can keep anything down right now.”
Louise exchanges a concerned look with Tanner, then steps closer to Lenny, gently placing a hand on her forehead. Her brow creased with worry. “Ooh, you’re warm,” she murmurs. “I think you should go upstairs and get some rest.”
“It’s just the side effects from the chemo,” Lenny mumbled, brushing off the concern as she turned toward the living room.
Her steps were slow, her body swaying slightly. But before she could finish, Lenny’s knees buckled. Her body crumples to the floor.
“Lenny!” Louise cried, scrambling to her daughter’s side. She knelt, gently lifting Lenny’s head and cradling it in her lap.
“Baby, can you hear me? Lenny, open your eyes!”
Tanner froze seeing her twin sister in this state; her hands reached for her iPhone on the table before snapping into action to dial 911, her voice trembling but focused. “We need an ambulance. My sister just collapsed—she has acute myeloid leukemia. 821 Trail Rd... Please hurry!"
Louise places her hand on Lenny’s damp forehead with trembling hands, her voice shaking as she whispers, “You’re going to be okay, baby. Stay with us. Help is on the way.”
Tanner ends the call and rushes over, crouching beside her mother. Together, they stay close to Lenny, their worry heavy in the air.
VICTORY COTTAGE
Jai arrives in a sharp tuxedo, his hair newly trimmed for the occasion. He exchanged a firm handshake with the male wedding officiant standing in the backyard, where the ceremony would take place. The partly cloudy afternoon lent a soft, diffused light over the scene, the crisp forty-degree weather offset by strategically placed outdoor heaters. Jai hardly noticed the chill; his thoughts were consumed with the joy of marrying the love of his life again.
As he adjusted his cuffs, Aaliyah proceeded to make a beeline outside to greet him in a pretty black one-shoulder gown, her long brown hair cascading in loose curls. A warm smile lit her face as she embraced her father.
“You look great, Daddy,” she said, stepping back to admire him.
He chuckles, his tone light but affectionate. “But probably not as amazing as your mother does.”
Aaliyah winks with a grin. “You’re not wrong. She looks exquisite courtesy of my styling of course.”
For a moment, their smiles faded as Aaliyah hesitated. “Dad… about everything that happened, with that video at your engagement party—I just…” She looked down. “I’m so sorry for how it all went down.”
Jai’s expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Aaliyah, what matters is that we’re here now, about to make new memories. I forgive you.”
Her relief was palpable as she hugged him again, holding on for an extra moment. “Thank you, Daddy. She’s lucky to have you.”
Jai smiles, his gaze drifting toward the cottage. “I’m the lucky one. And I can’t wait to see her.”
Samuel and Tricia Lockhart stand near the outdoor table where light refreshments and drinks have been set up for guests to enjoy as well as music before the ceremony. His friend looked effortlessly fashionable in an emerald green belted pantsuit, and her clutch bag rested neatly under her arm as they traded life updates. He had invited her to the wedding, and she seemed at least pleased to be here.
"If you had told me in January that attending a wedding would be the highlight of my 2024," Tricia began, her voice tinged with dry humor, "I don't know if I would've hit you or called you every expletive known to man."
Samuel chuckles lightly, aware of the undercurrent of pain in her words. He knew how hard the year had been for his friend—the divorce from Sean, the complicated emotions surrounding Louise and Sean growing closer, and the grief for her infant son, Dylan, who had tragically passed away from SIDS around this time last year.
"Well," Samuel said, his tone warm but light, "I'm glad to be part of your highlight."
Tricia rolled her eyes. "Ha, ha, ha, don't rub it in."
Samuel reaches over to grab a glass of white wine from the table. "Let’s toast to a better 2025."
Tricia raised her glass with a faint smile. "From your lips."
The glasses clinked softly; their mutual hope unspoken but understood.
As they sipped their drinks, Max Covington approached. The Covington heir looked sharp in a dark cashmere topcoat that shielded him from the chill, a well-tailored suit visible underneath.
“Hey,” Samuel greets warmly.
Max responds with a polite smile to Tricia. “Hi,”
Tricia gave a brief nod, stepping aside to sip her wine while the two men spoke, her casual posture suggesting she was only half-listening.
“With everything going on,” Samuel began, his voice steady, “I would’ve completely understood if you didn’t show up today.”
Max exhaled, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. “Doesn’t matter where I go; Shauna is still on my mind. I’m trying to give her space, but patience was never my strong suit.”
Samuel bobbed sympathetically; his expression thoughtful. He knew about the weight Max carried—the tension with his father, the loss of their unborn child, and Shauna leaving because she couldn’t bear the aftermath of it all.
Taking a sip of his drink, Samuel offered quietly, “I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but things will work out. Can I make a suggestion?”
Max tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “What’s that?”
“I think you should talk to Martha. If anyone knows where Shauna is, it’s her best friend.”
Max scratches the side of his temple, his brow creased. “Mae said the same thing.”
It wasn’t the first time Max had heard this advice—Shauna’s grandmother had also encouraged him to reach out to Martha. Now, with Samuel echoing it and Martha being back in town he knows what he should do now.
“I'll do whatever it takes to get her back,” he said after a pause, determination creeping into his tone. “I’ll talk to her.”
Samuel gave an encouraging nod.
The psychiatrist excuses himself and makes his way toward his father, leaving Max to his thoughts.
In their formal attire, Steven Sullivan and Courtney Covington Sullivan strolled into the backyard from next door, hand in hand, taking in the carefully arranged decorations and the hum of conversation as guests mingled.
“Can I just say,” Steven began, his deep voice warm, “how much this reminds me of our wedding?”
Courtney, petite and striking with her dark hair swept into a chic updo, glanced up at him with a soft smile. “I was thinking the same thing.”
Their Christmas Eve wedding a few years ago had been an intimate celebration with their closest friends and family. It was a memory they both cherished deeply.
Steven, towering over his wife with an air of calm confidence, looked down at her fondly. “It also makes me grateful that we've remained together through everything.”
Courtney’s smile widens, her eyes lighting up with affection. “I am too.” she added, her tone earnest, “And I know you aren't thrilled about my hiring of Jacques at Covington, but I need you to know—not him or any man could ever take your place in my heart.”
Steven’s expression softened as he gave her a reassuring nod. “I don’t want to hear about that man today. This day is about Jai and Mala.”
Courtney tilts her head slightly, understanding in her eyes. “Fair enough,” she said quietly, choosing to honor his request regarding their friends.
As Martha glances over at SJ settling into a seat in the second row, she catches sight of Steven nearby. Their eyes met, and a warm but brief smile crossed her face before he approached. It had been a while since they'd seen each other, and Steven didn’t hesitate to pull his first cousin into a quick embrace.
“I heard the tour was cut short,” the veterinarian said, concern evident in his tone. “Do you want to get into it?”
Martha hesitated, tucking a strand of her short, dark hair behind her ear. “I don’t really want to talk about it right now, okay?”
Before he could speak further, she turned and walked away, leaving Steven to watch her retreating figure. Shaking his head slightly, he pieced together one conclusion—whatever happened, it wasn’t good.
RADCLIFFE RECIEIVING HOSPITAL
Sarah Lynn and Esther Saunders quietly walk down the hallway of Radcliffe Receiving Hospital. Esther is getting ready to have her bone marrow compatibility test, her face calm but resolute.
Sarah Lynn, who had accompanied her sister-in-law, felt a pang of guilt upon learning she wasn’t a match. She had grown closer to her granddaughter through her illness and longed to help her.
“Hey,” Esther said gently, her voice steady with her prominent Southern drawl. “I know it’s rough, but remember, Lenny is a Saunders, and you know how tough we are. Everything’s gonna work out, Sare.”
Sarah Lynn sighs, absently tucking a strand of her long blonde hair behind her ear. “I know,” she replied, her voice heavy.
“It’s just... Sean, Louise, Tanner, Martha, and I haven’t turned out to be matches. What’s it going to take for something to finally work in her favor?"
Esther stopped walking and turned to face Sarah Lynn. “We can’t give up now,” she said firmly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “There’s still family who needs to be tested. Someone out there is her match. We have to believe that.”
Sarah Lynn nodded, but her expression was clouded. “I know,” she murmured, “but it feels like we’re running out of time.”
The petite woman gives her a comforting squeeze. “We just gotta keep the faith, Sarah Lynn,” she said quietly. “That’s what will keep us going—for her and each other.”
VICTORY COTTAGE
Jai and Samuel stood near the officiant, awaiting the ceremony, as a small gathering of family and friends, including Tricia, Steven, Courtney, Max, Martha, SJ, Jes, and Lena, sat in the backyard of the cottage.
The soft strains of wedding procession music began, and Aaliyah appeared, walking gracefully before embracing her father and brother and then she took her place.
All eyes turned to Mala as she walked down the aisle in an elegant off-white silk strapless gown, a delicate shawl draped over her shoulders, and a small bouquet in hand. Jai’s breath caught at the sight of his beautiful bride.
The officiant stepped forward with a warm smile, addressing the gathering.
“Dear family and friends, today we’ve come together to celebrate the rejoining of Jai and Mala in matrimony.
He paused, his tone shifting to a lighthearted formality. “Now, as is tradition, I must ask—does anyone here know of any reason why these two should not be joined in matrimony? Speak now or forever hold your peace.”
A brief silence followed, broken only by a few soft chuckles from the crowd. Jai and Mala exchanged amused smiles as they stood facing each other, their hands entwined.
The officiant grinned, his tone playful. “That’s a good thing,” he quipped, earning more laughter from the guests.With a nod, he continued the ceremony, his voice steady and positive.
Jai spoke first. “This road hasn’t been easy, but we made it. Our love never wavered, even when we did. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you and our family.”
Mala’s voice trembled with emotion as she began. “We’ve been there for each other in ways no one else could understand. For so long, I thought I knew what life should be, but now I know it’s better with you. I’m so grateful for our second chance.”
With smiles and even some tears of happiness all around, the officiant presented the rings and proclaimed, “By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I proudly pronounce you husband and wife.”
As Jai and Mala kissed passionately, cheers and applause erupted, filling the air with celebration.
RADCLIFFE RECIEVING HOSPITAL
Sarah Lynn and Esther walked side by side, their conversation soft and steady as they approached the hospital exit. Esther had just finished her bone marrow testing minutes prior.
"I can't believe I haven’t gone shopping for Thanksgiving dinner yet," Sarah Lynn said, shaking her head. "When I get home, I need to make a list for the store."
Esther adjusts the strap of her purse, her fingers gripping it lightly. "With everything going on, we’re not expecting much this year," she replied softly. Her gaze was steady and warm. "Don’t be too hard on yourself, darling."
​
Before Sarah Lynn could respond, the sound of sirens filled the air, growing louder as they neared the entrance. An ambulance screeched to a halt just outside, its back doors flinging open as paramedics jumped out, rushing to pull out a stretcher.
Both women freeze, their eyes widening as they recognize Louise and Tanner following closely behind.
“Dear Lord! What’s happening?” Sarah Lynn exclaimed, her voice trembling with worry as she dashes toward the stretcher.
“I don’t know,” Esther replied, already moving toward the commotion. “Let’s find out.”
They hurry over to the rest of the family, concern etched on their faces. On the stretcher lay Lenny, her eyes fluttering open but still hazy, her complexion pale.
“She collapsed out of the blue,” Louise explained breathlessly.
One of the doctors on call was already assessing Lenny, checking her vitals, while a nurse urgently pages Dr. Saddleman, her oncologist.
“Stay with us, Lynn,” the doctor said gently as he checks her responsiveness
​
“She’s been so tired lately,” Tanner added. "She's been probably feeling like that for a while now and we didn't know."
Sensing Tanner’s fear, Esther placed a comforting arm around her great-niece.
Sarah Lynn grips Louise’s hand tightly, her heart pounding. “She’s strong,” she whispered, more to herself than anyone else. “She’s going to get through this. She has to.”
Esther, Sarah Lynn, Louise, and Tanner trying to steady their nerves as they watched the door close behind the medical team. The weight of uncertainty hung heavy, but they clung to the hope that Lenny would pull through.
​
END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Everyone awaits news on Lenny's condition.
Drama circulates as Jai and Mala's wedding continues.
​
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