EPISODE 320
Written by: Bre L Drew
December 2, 2024
Last Time on Town and Country
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Jai and Mala celebrated their remarriage surrounded by loved ones, including Lena and Jes Choudhury.
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Meanwhile, at Lockhart Lake Cottage, Lenny, still battling cancer, collapsed. She was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, accompanied by Louise and Tanner. The incident left Sarah Lynn and Esther deeply concerned about what her prognosis might hold.
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Max remains determined in his search for Shauna, unaware that she is aboard a yacht, carrying Antoine's child.
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Meanwhile, Martha, rejecting Murray's attempts at reconciliation, firmly declared she wanted nothing more to do with him—including their son. Which Martha chose not to share with Samuel during this leg of her tour.
VICTORY COTTAGE
Sometimes the snow comes down in June
Sometimes the sun goes 'round the moon
I see the passion in your eyes
Sometimes it's all a big surprise
The living room of Victory Cottage had been transformed for the wedding reception, just over forty minutes after Jai and Mala Gupta said their vows again. The space had been cleared to create a dance floor, now alive with laughter and music.
At the center, the couple sways together, their eyes locked. Vanessa Williams’ timeless ballad “Save the Best for Last” played softly from the speakers—their original wedding song—making the moment all the more meaningful.
“At least you still have your moves,” Mala said with a teasing smile, her British accent warm as her hand brushed against Jai’s back.
Jai chuckles. “Well, they’re not as swift as they once were, but thanks for noticing. And may I say how incredible you look?”
“Oh, I bet not as good as I was in my twenties,” she replied playfully.
Jai shook his head, his gaze soft and candid. “In fact, even better.”
Mala opens her mouth as if to refute, but her smile overtook her words. She rested her head briefly against his shoulder, and they continued dancing, lost in their shared moment.
And now we're standing face to face
Isn't this world a crazy place
Just when I thought our chance had passed
You go and save the best for last
On the sidelines, Max Covington stood quietly, his drink untouched. His eyes followed Jai and Mala’s movements before drifting away, lost in thought.
“Are you okay?” Aaliyah Gupta asks, stepping beside him with a glass of red wine in hand.
Max glances at her, managing a half-smile. “Yeah, just thinking.” He nodded toward the dance floor. “They make it look easy, don’t they?”
Aaliyah laughs softly. “They do. But as a former child of divorce, it's anything but."
Max sighs, pulling his gaze away from the couple of the hour. “I guess being here just takes me back to Shauna and my wedding,” he confessed quietly to his best friend’s sister, his tone carrying a hint of regret.
He could still picture it—the vows, the promises to spend their lives together. But those words had been tested by every challenge imaginable. In the end, it had been too much. Shauna had taken off, leaving him with no idea where in the world is she.
"Maybe Shauna just needed time to chill and think," Aaliyah said, offering a comforting smile. "Don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll work out, Max." She sighed softly, her gaze distant for a moment. "I know it can’t compare, but I had my own heartbreak this year."
Max turned to look at her, his expression softening. "I heard. Sorry about that."
Aaliyah let out a faint breath, her mind drifting to the past few months. Lorenzo, she thought. My first serious boyfriend... He had left her for another girl, and to make things worse, she had struggled to find work after college graduation. The combination of both left her feeling adrift, uncertain of her next steps.
"So, you see," she said, meeting Max's gaze, "You aren’t the only one who feels out of place."
Max gave a dry smile, his voice tinged with irony. "Glad to know."
He exhales, the weight of their shared struggles hanging between them. Max took a slow sip of his old-fashioned, the glass clinking lightly in his hand. He knew their experiences didn’t compare, but in that moment, the quiet understanding between them felt like minimum relief.
Samuel Gupta and Martha Saunders move together on the dance floor, but the lively music and exchange feel worlds away from the turmoil Martha can’t shake. Her mind was elsewhere, caught in the weight of an unresolved conversation with Murray—one she hadn’t shared with Samuel. She hadn’t told him about the kiss, how she had lashed out at Murray for it, or how his words had cut deeper than she expected
Outside, SJ and the rest of the children played in the cold, their laughter muffled by the distance between the house and the yard.
Samuel, sensing her distance, leaned in closer. “Martha, what’s going on?” His voice was gentle, but his concern was clear.
She hesitates, unsure of how to answer, her thoughts tangled with confusion and guilt. Before she could find the words, her phone rang, interrupting the moment. She glanced down at the screen.
“I need to take this,” Martha murmurs, stepping away from Samuel and answering the call. This particular call had to be dealt with before she could even think about explaining everything to him.
RADCLIFFE RECIEVING HOSPITAL
In the emergency room of Radcliffe Receiving Hospital, the Saunders women occupied the otherwise empty waiting room. Fifteen minutes passed since paramedics brought Lenny Lockhart in after she collapsed at home. Tanner Lockhart, quick to call 911, stayed at the scene while Louise Saunders Lockhart remained by her daughter’s side.
Now the two sit close together on the stiff chairs, their faces pale and tired. Time felt both agonizingly slow and unsettlingly fast.
A few chairs away, Sarah Lynn Saunders sat praying silently for her granddaughter. Her posture was still, her face etched with worry, meanwhile, Esther Saunders stood near the wall, arms folded tightly across her chest. The older woman’s frustration was evident; she despised the helplessness that consumed her when it came to her family.
"I'm not sure when Steven is going to get that message," Esther notes, her tone laced with frustration.
About three minutes ago, the businesswoman had called her son to inform him about Lenny.
Sarah Lynn ends her prayer and glances at her sister-in-law. “I’m sure he’ll see it soon enough, Esther.”
Esther sighs heavily, her voice dropping scarcely. “I hated leaving that kind of voicemail on Steven's phone, but with him at the wedding, I knew he wouldn’t answer. And I don't have the patience to text.”
The two elder women had initially been at the hospital for Esther’s bone marrow compatibility test, they were on their way out when they saw the paramedics rush in with Louise and Tanner following close behind.
The waiting room was cloaked in a heavy silence. Occasionally, the murmur of a nurse or passing hospital staff punctuated the air, and a flat-screen TV, tuned to a home renovation show on HGTV, droned faintly in the background its presence ignored by everyone.
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Sean Lockhart and Elijah Barker emerged. Their eyes immediately scanned the room, locating the family.
Sean wasted no time crossing the area to Louise and Tanner. He wrapped Louise in a firm hug before leaning down to Tanner. “Any word yet?”
“Nothing,” Louise replied wearily, her energy visibly drained.
Elijah stood nearby; his usual serious demeanor softened with a rare optimism. “Whatever it is, I’m sure she will pull through.”
Sarah Lynn opens her eyes slowly and nodded with quiet determination. “I pray that she does, Elijah. We all do.”
Tanner, unable to stand the overpowering stillness, glanced around before offering, “Anyone want anything? Coffee or something to eat?” She hated feeling useless, especially now when it comes to her twin sister.
Before anyone could respond, the towering presence of Dr. Ike Saddleman, clad in his white lab coat and dark slacks, immediately commanded the room’s attention.
“Dr. Saddleman,” Louise began, her voice strained but resolute. “What’s going on with my daughter?”
The doctor stopped in front of them, his hands slipping into his coat pockets. His tone was measured yet direct. “Lynn is suffering from an infection,” he explained. “That’s what caused her to faint and the overall weakness she’s been experiencing.”
Sean leans forward, his concern evident. “How will you treat it?”
Dr. Saddleman’s composed demeanor remained intact, but his expression grew serious.
VICTORY COTTAGE
Martha steps outside of the cottage, the cool air hitting her as she waves at SJ. He stood in his coat, playing with the other kids, kicking around a soccer ball despite the mostly cloudy day. She felt a sting in her chest, grateful that he didn’t know anything about the rift between his dad and her. The thought that Murray didn’t want anything to do with him hurt, especially considering how close he and SJ had gotten over the summer. It was something Martha couldn’t shake, guilt eating at her for allowing that bond to form despite her initial reservations. She had never meant for things to get this complicated.
As she watches SJ laughing with the other children she continued the discussion.
Martha goes further into the yard, away from the noise of the reception. “Shauna, hey,” she said, her voice steady but with a hint of concern.
"Hey," Shauna said softly as she sat on the edge of the bed in the master bedroom of the yacht, docked at Lake Hudson. It was where she’d been since she left Max, the weight of her decision hanging heavily in the air. She had told him everything had become too much to handle, and now, here she was, alone, trying to sort through her thoughts.
"How are you?"
Shauna took a deep breath, staring out the window at the calm waters beyond. "I’m carrying another man’s baby," she confessed, the words hanging in the air. "I don’t even know how to be anymore."
Martha’s heart tightens, the weight of Shauna's situation settling over her. "I understand," she said quietly, her mind racing back to her own emotions. She was still trying to figure out how to make sense of her life, too.
Shauna could hear the distant sounds bursts of celebration and music filtered through the phone.
"I’m at Jai and Mala’s wedding."
Shauna had forgotten, even though both she and Max had been invited until now. "Is Max there?"
"Yeah, he is," Martha replies, her gaze drifting toward the celebration inside the cottage. "Do you want to speak to him?"
There was a long pause before Shauna shook her head, her hand resting gently on her growing stomach. "No," she said firmly. "I’ll speak to him in my own time."
Back inside the house, the lively tempo of Shubharambh fills the air, drawing people to the makeshift dance floor. The energy is infectious, with guests moving to the rhythm of the Bollywood song. Lena and Jes Choudhury approached Samuel, their smiles warm and familiar.
“Sammy!” Lena greets, her voice bright as she reaches out to hug him.
Lena and Jes Choudhury approach Samuel, their smiles warm and familiar.
Other than the older women in his family, Lena was the only one who still called him by his childhood nickname, which he believed he had long outgrown.
“It's good to see you, Maasi,” Samuel said with a warm smile, gently stepping back as he exited the hug. The term, Hindi for maternal aunt, though can be used for a mother's close friend.
Jesminder follows close behind, her eyes widening as she took him in. “Wow, look at you,” she said, a note of genuine surprise in her voice. “You’ve certainly grown up since the last time we saw each other.”
Samuel notices the attorney is even more strikingly beautiful with her long dark hair and her slender but voluptuous figure maintained by daily fitness, though her English accent has nearly vanished since moving to North America for law school.
Samuel chuckles, a delicate blush rising to his cheeks at her words and the way she said them. “And as straightforward as ever."
Jes grins, clearly pleased, as they briefly embraced. She couldn’t help but take in the faint but striking scent of his cologne, a mix of spice and wood that lingered as they parted. “Still modest too,” she added with a playful wink.
Lena clears her throat, a teasing smile creeping onto her face as she changed the subject. “Well, Sammy, not only have you become even more handsome, but also a doctor to boot."
Samuel lightly chuckles, shaking his head. “That’s kind of you to say.”
“And I hear you’re taken,” she added with a knowing grin, glancing at Jes.
Jes smirks, tilting her head. “Of course he is. All the good ones usually are.”
Samuel laughs lightly but quickly shifts the focus. “So, I hear your line of work keeps you occupied."
Jes gently tucks a strand of her dark hair behind her ear, her eyes focused on Samuel as she speaks. "It's a good firm," she says with a confident smile, "but I'm always looking for a challenge."
Lena, standing nearby, glances at her daughter with a raised eyebrow, her expression subtle yet knowing.
Samuel, however, isn’t paying full attention to the exchange. His eyes are settled on Martha, who stands just outside, finishing a phone conversation.
The music pulses steadily through the living room, the laughter and chatter of family and friends blending seamlessly with the beat. Across the room, Aaliyah stood near the wall in a reserved stance glancing occasionally at the others on the dance floor.
Jai appears beside her as if summoned by instinct. With his hand outstretched and a playful glint in his eye, he broke the silence. “Should we teach some of these rhythmically challenged white people how it’s done?”
Aaliyah couldn’t suppress her chuckle, shaking her head as she placed her hand in his. “Let's do it!"
Though her heart swelled with gratitude for this joyful reunion of her family, a small part of Aaliyah couldn’t shake the twinge of loneliness.
As soon as they reached the floor, Jai began moving in sync with the beat, his movements sharp yet effortless. Aaliyah quickly fell into step, the two mirroring each other’s gestures as if choreographed. They moved closer, using their hands to the beat, their laughter drawing the attention of the crowd. Slowly, others began drifting toward them, enchanted by their energy.
From across the room, Mala noticed the growing circle around her husband and daughter.
Courtney Covington Sullivan reaches for Mala, her voice warm with affection. “We’re finally able to say congratulations,” she said, pulling her friend and employee into a tight embrace.
Courtney’s husband, Steven, stepped in to offer his congratulations as well, enveloping Mala in a quick but genuine embrace. “A beautiful ceremony and, not to mention, an unforgettable reception,” he declared, his tone admiring.
Mala beams at them both. “I wouldn’t have it any other way."
Courtney and Mala settle into small talk, meanwhile, Steven felt the faint buzz of his phone in his pocket. He fished it out and glanced at the screen.
“Please excuse me for a moment,” Steven said with a polite nod, stepping away as he noticed the missed call. He moved toward a quieter corner, raising the phone to his ear to listen to the voicemail.
Martha steps back into the house, her shoes meeting the soft hum of conversation that filled the space. The evening’s energy was palpable, but it did little to quiet the questions swirling in her mind. Samuel approached her with a warm smile, a poised and strikingly beautiful woman standing beside him.
“Martha,” Samuel said, gesturing toward the woman. “I’d like you to meet Jes.”
Jes extends her hand, her smile kind yet self-assured. “It’s nice to meet you, Martha. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Martha accepts the handshake, noting Jes’s effortless elegance. “Nice meeting you too” she replied politely, though she realizing she knew little beyond the basics of her boyfriend's family friend.
Jes nods slightly. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to grab some wine. It was lovely meeting you.”
As Jes saunters away, Martha turns back to Samuel. Thoughts of her earlier conversation with Shauna lingered in her mind, adding a layer of unease to the evening.
She glances around. “Is Max still around?”
“No, he left about ten minutes ago. I think all this was just too much for him."
Before Samuel could further respond, Steven and Courtney approached them. Steven’s expression was unusually serious, his tone subdued.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Steven began, looking directly at Martha. “My mom left a voicemail. Lenny collapsed, and they’ve taken her to Receiving.”
“What happened?” Martha asks, her worry for her niece evident.
Steven shook his head. “I don’t know. She said the rest of the family’s already down there.”
Courtney rests a hand on Steven’s arm, her voice gentle. “I’ll get SJ from outside.”
“I’ll come with you,” Samuel offers, already moving to follow her.
Martha stops him with a dull hand on his arm. “I'm sure your parents want you here. I’ll call as soon as I know more.”
Samuel hesitated, then nodded, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Let me know the moment you hear anything.”
“I will,” Martha promised, exchanging a brief kiss with him.
As the single mother walks toward the hall closet to grab her coat, Samuel remains a few steps behind, his hands tucked into his pockets. His gaze lingered on her, softening with an expression she didn’t catch.
A flicker of uncertainty crossed his face as he watched her movements, deliberate and calm despite the news that had just shaken the room. He wondered, not for the first time, where they really stood.
RADCLIFFE RECEIVING HOSPITAL
"But aren't there antibiotics that can treat infections?" Tanner queries, her brow furrowing slightly. She remembered reading about infections in her university biology classes.
Dr. Saddleman nods, his face calm but serious. "That is often the case," he agrees, but his tone suggests there’s more to the situation than meets the eye.
"But why not in Lenny's case?" Elijah asks, his voice laced with concern. He steps a little closer, his eyes fixed on the doctor, a hint of urgency in his words.
"Because," Dr. Saddleman begins, pausing as if choosing his words carefully. "Due to her compromised immune system and the type of cancer she has, it's more of a wait-and-see approach. Antibiotics alone aren’t enough in her case. We need to monitor the infection closely, she will have to stay in the hospital for the foreseeable future." He lets the weight of that sink in before continuing. "If she doesn't receive the bone marrow transplant soon."
He stops himself, noticing the way the family tenses, their faces shifting as they process the seriousness of his words. "Time is of the essence," he finishes, his voice firm, but empathetic. "If you need me, please don’t hesitate to seek me out. I have to go check on some other patients."
With that, Dr. Saddleman walks off, leaving them to digest what he’s just said.
"Lenny is a fighter; she'll get through this. She has to," Esther says, the words tumbling out more from a desperate hope than certainty.
Sean pulls Louise and Tanner closer to him, wrapping his arms around them as they stand together in the weight of the news. Sarah Lynn, though quiet, gently pats Elijah’s hand in a supportive gesture, the comfort of touch speaking volumes in a moment like this.
​
END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Elijah offers reassurance.
Martha comes to a decision.
Presley apologizes to Tanner.
​
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