Chapter 55 - Last Chapter and Epilogue

15 years later 

“Vishaka di Breathe!!!!” Kukki said, showing her to take her breath in and breathe out. 

“Stop making faces Kudi!!!!!. It is not helping” vishaka shouted

“Kukki di!!!! Kukki di!!!! For the love of …”Kukki stopped herself from finishing the sentence. “Main maar dalungi Sneha ko” Kukki finished.

“Oh Come on Kudi you know you love me” Sneha said entering the room and hugging Kukki from behind. Kukki, irritated, pushed her. But Sneha did it again and Kukki again pushed and Sneha and Vishaka started laughing. 

“Thank God you smiled” Kukki said

“I am just…..” Vishaka said, shaking her head.

“I dont get why you are so scared. You and Sahad look like a famous Indian telly drama couple who get best couple award every year at those stupid awards. Did he do something? Are you having second thoughts?  Look there is still time. We can help you run away. Tushar bhaiya ko call karti hoon abhi bike leke aa jayenge” Kukki said, taking out her phone.

“Kukki!!!!! I love Sahad and he loves me,” Vishaka simply replied. It was Vishaka’s wedding day and she was getting ready for the ceremony. 

“Then why are you so nervous.  I mean who gets nervous on their wedding day when there is no judgement nothing everything is done as per you. You know when you should be nervous when you are about to get your surgical medical board results. I still get hungry for junk food thinking about them.” Kukki said shaking herself 

“Kukki you were the best in your residency so good that there are hospitals sending chocolates and flowers to our home to lure you. Even to us. You just need to pick” Vishaka replied

“Well actually that is kind of true. I am good….” Kukki said she started laughing  giving a high five to Vishaka

“I don't have to pick anything. MBA and straight start at the Bajaj infra giant” Sneha said 

“Yes CEO of Bajaj Infragiant” Kukki mocked.

“You wish!!!!! Papa bilkul clear the. You start at the bottom and then work your way up. But yes someday there will be news that Sneha Sharma bajaj daughter of Rishab Bajaj succeeds her father as CEO. Hope I am able to fulfill the expectations” Sneha said thoughtful.

“You will Snehu…. Since the age of 5 you have done nothing but watched stocks and bond and mergers with dad. You missed Prom night for the attending a merger of…… kya tha woh company ka naam” Kukki said hugging her

“It was huge….. It was huge……” Sneha said shocked at how Kukki could forget something like that and tried to explain but Kukki kept her hands on her ears.

“Boli Mr Bajaj ki chamchi boli” Kukki said 

“Camchi!!!!” Sneha said and Kukki nodded.

“Kudi!!!!” Sneha said 

“Chamchi!!!” Kukki said 

“Kudi!!!!” Sneha said 

“Chamchi!!!” Kukki said 

“Kudi!!!!” Sneha said 

“Chamchi!!!” Kukki said 

“Kudi!!!!” Sneha said 

“Chamchi!!!” Kukki said 

“Ok that's enough!!!! Come on out both of you…..'' Mr Bajaj interjected. Sneha and Kukki looked at each other awkwardly but silently left the room. 

“Sir??” Vishaka still never called him anything other than sir.

“You look….”Mr Bajaj tried to say awkwardly. 

“Thank you sir” Vishaka understood. They had an awkward silence between them when Mr Bajaj suddenly said “You can still run away. I mean you don't need to call Tushar. I can ride his bike or car.” Vishaka laughed. Unknown to them, Prerna laughed outside the door listening to everything.

“The Bajaj’s don't run away sir. Agar shaadi nahin karni hain to ise darwaze se bahar jakar sabke samne bolungi.” Vishaka said, flexing her muscles. Mr Bajaj laughed and was about to leave when Vishaka stopped him “Sir !!!!!!” and Mr Bajaj turned around.

“Thank you!!!! Thank you sir. For everything. You didn't have to do it none of you needed to but you did. So thank you” Vishaka said and Mr Bajaj just a bit awkward just caressed her head.

“I wish I could tell you that this is nothing in return for what Saba did for us that night. In fact we are doing less thanks to Sabas values and you being her self respecting daughter” Mr Bajaj thought smiling. Mr Bajaj left silently and just then Prerna entered the room. 

“You are okay??” Prerna asked, hugging Vishaka. She looked beautiful in the red and green lehenga that she was wearing.

“Scared. Very scared. Bahut kuch khoti aayi hoon. Ab aur khone ki himmat nahin hain. I love him. I really do.” Vishaka whispered.

“I know. I know. But kabhi ise apni kamzoori mat banana. Love is supposed to make you strong.`` Prerna said and vishaka nodded.

“Sahad…. He….. I was so scared when he came to meet sir. Maine 100% socha tha ki woh sir ko lightly le raha hain the way he was relaxed. But that was the first time I realised how strong he was. Uska stand clear tha. I love you. I will take care of you. That is all no games no pretenses.” Vishaka remembering the night. 

“That is what Rishab had liked about him and still does otherwise you know this wouldn't be happening.” PRerna said and Vishaka nodded and giggled.

“Saba ko bhi woh bahut pasand aata. And she must be so proud of you. For your law degree and for Sahad.  If…. if….. we could have done anything to make sure she was here.” Prerna said, understanding that vishaka must be missing her but not saying anything as she doesnt want to hurt their feelings. Vishaka almost was at the verge of tears.

“Don't cry or make up.” Prerna said and Vishaka nodded and hugged her tightly. 

“Come on let's do last minute touch ups  ….They will be calling you in sometime” Prerna said and they got busy with work. 

After sometime Prerna came out in the hall of BAjaj Mansion in London. Prerna looked around the place that had so many memories, so many moments, fights, love occasions, birthdays and suddenly Mr Bajaj hugged her from behind. Prerna turned around and realised they were both thinking about the same day.

16 years earlier

It had been 3 month to that dreadful night. Prerna and Mr Bajaj had hoped things would get better but it was far from it. Kukki would still wake up in the night with nightmares. Sneha was not ready to leave Kukki in the nights. Vishaka being older was much more matured but she was always restrained and didn't talk much. She had adjusted well with the Bajaj family thanks to Kukki and Sneha but everywhere she went with them to parties or dinner or gathering or school functions people will point out that “Oh she is that Saba’a daughter the nanny of Bajaj’s. Poor dear lost all her family because of the deeds of the Bajaj family and now they are doing a show of taking care of her. Selfish People” . Because of all this Vishaka was having trouble opening up to them. Whenever she needed some stuff or she was sick or she wanted to buy something she would never freely tell anything to Prerna. Prerna had to take extra care to make sure she had everything and she got what she needed. Kalyaniji and Tushar went back to London. The only good thing was that Mr Bose was charged for the murder and attempted murder and was sent to jail for life. Komolika was taken care of. Anurag had stopped coming to their house and taking any interest in Sneha’s life. But the condition of their children still troubled Prerna and Rishab.

They had started searching for new houses as they knew in some days they would need more space. But somehow they couldn't decide on one. They were lavish, they were big, they were built good but they were mansions. They were not home. So they stayed in the same outhouse. 

It was in this small house that they celebrated Prerna’s godh bharai where every ritual was performed by Mr and Mrs Mehra. Prerna’s family had completely turned their faces away from her. But frankly Prerna didn't care after that day. Her mother’s condition was getting worse. But Prerna was in constant  touch with the doctors and any event was first notified to her even before her family. Little did her family know that Prerna was in constant touch with her mother also using the IPAD that Prerna had kept with the nurses. 

The only time she went to actually meet her was after 2 months. Exactly after 2 months Prerna had given birth to two beautiful twin boys. 

                                   Dhruv Sharma Bajaj - one that always shows you the way (Mr Bajaj’s choice)

                                          Hridhan Sharma Bajaj - a heart filled with love( Prerna’s choice)

As her mother had insisted that they bring them to meet her, Prerna had gone with Mr Bajaj and that was the last memory of hers with her mother. Exactly 2 months later her mother passed away. Since their mother would have wanted Prerna to be there, her family had been cordial enough to allow her into the Sharma Niwas for the ceremony. For one last time Prerna had slept in the same bed that she had called hers for a lifetime. The only thing that she took was a photo of her maa and baba and left Sharma Niwas forever. 

It was Mehra’s suggestion that they should go on a holiday. “The kids are old enough to fly and Mr Bajaj has to visit London for the XM Media corporation workings. He might need to stay there for some time as well. It is Christmas holiday and  It will be good for them and the kids. You should think about it” Mr Mehra had said. 

So that is what they did. They all stayed at Kalyani Sarkar’s house as she and Tushar had insisted that they stay with them. It was the night of the XM Media corporation success party after the take over. Prerna had worn a beautiful pink and cream evening gown. She kept looking at herself in the mirror again and again.

“You look amazing,” Mr Bajaj said nuzzling her neck.

“I look, you know,” Prerna said, gesturing for the extra pregnancy weight. “Maybe I should wear something loose” Prerna said unzipping but was stopped by Mr Bajaj. Mr Bajaj turned her around and placed his hands at the bottom of the zipper. He pulled Prerna towards him.

“Rishab!!!!!” Prerna 

“You look like a beautiful new mother and it should be flaunted.” Mr Bajaj said zipping her up again and kissing at her neck and Prerna hid her face in his chest. 

“We have been married for 5 years and you still won't look at me straight” Mr BAjaj said teasing

“How am I supposed to tell you that still everytime you look at me with those eyes and that love makes me feel like a newly wed bride? My stomach gets butterflies” Prerna thought, smiling and hiding herself in his arms. AFter sometime all she said was “Lets go we will be late” turning around and doing last minute touch ups. 

The kids were having a slumber party. Hridhan and Dhruv were asleep and nanny was there. Mr Bajaj and Prerna kept fussing about numbers and dinner and …. Things until Kalyani ji literally threw them out with their jackets and insisted that they go and just enjoy. They deserved it.

Mr bajaj and Prerna  attended the party and gave all smiles that were needed but after sometime Mr Bajaj took Prerna’s hands and whisked her away from the party. Prerna was hoping for a private dinner or something but she was surprised when Mr Bajaj asked her to hop on a bus. 

“Rishab kya  kar rahin hain aap??” Prerna asked, surprised. 

“Aap aayengi. Please” Mr Bajaj said and moved her towards the roof area of the double decker bus. She was surprised to find it empty.She looked at him surprised as if asking you did this.

“Maine nahin kiya. Yeh bus usually khali hoti hain is time pe. Sit '' Mr BAjaj said signaling towards the corner seat.Prerna sat and the first thing she did was take off her heels. Mr Bajaj loosened his tie and stuffed it into the pocket. It was christmas time and it looked beautiful all around. PRerna rested her head on his shoulders and Mr BAjaj engulfed her in his arms. Prerna smiled, kissing him on his cheeks making sure no one was watching and then wiping off the lipstick stain with her hands. 

“Maybe we should find a place where you won't have to wipe it out.” Mr Bajaj said quietly. Prerna shying moved her face away. They sat like this while the bus roamed around in the city watching christmas decorations lost in each others arms laughing while Mr bajaj kept showing places here and there. Then they got down near a very small chinese restaurant. The restaurant had an outside sitting arrangement and they both enjoyed this time with each other.

“Kya ho gaya aaj?” Prerna asked while walking 

“Main kuch samjha nahin.” Mr Bajaj replied. 

“This is not what I thought….” Prerna stopped not wanting to spoil their mood. 

“Candle light dinner?” Mr Bajaj replied

“Mujhe aapke saath rehne se matlab hain chahe candle light hoon ya street light. Its just that you usually like things private so….” PRerna replied laughing. 

“Rishab just wanted to spend some time with you. That is all” Mr Bajaj simply replied, caressing her cheeks. 

“I wouldn't have it any other way bas mujhe bata dete to main yeh heel nahin pahenti. My legs hurt so much.” Prerna said and both of them started laughing. 

“I am sorry!!!! “ Mr BAjaj said 

“Don't be. Please don't be '' Prerna said, hugging Mr BAjaj around his waist and Mr Bajaj in return did the same. 

“I wanted to surprise you” Mr Bajaj said 

“I loved it…… ” Prerna simply stated. Mr Bajaj tucked the strand of hair disturbing her face behind her ear. Prerna suddenly became really interested in the color of the road and couldn't look at him straight. So Mr Bajaj placed a hand under her chin and lifted her face to make her look at him. Without even caring about the fact that they were in the middle of the road Mr Bajaj started nibbling at her lips. Any awkwardness that Prerna had at the moment fled away the minute Mr Bajaj’s hands moved to her back and lips moved to her neck. 

“Rishab!!!” Prerna whispered trying to bring Mr Bajaj out of the trance but it had the opposite effect and Mr Bajaj started kissing her and she was lost without any strength to fight. After sometime they broke the kiss breathing heavily. 

“I wish !!! I wish !!!! I had planned a private candle night dinner” Mr Bajaj whispered touching his head to hers. Prerna just smiled. They took each other's hands and were walking when Prerna realised that they were in a  suburban locality and Prerna was pretty sure they were lost. 

“Rishab hum kaha ja rahin hain?” Prerna asked

“Ek minute I think we took the wrong turn” Mr Bajaj said. Prerna looked at him suspiciously. 

“What?? Prerna come on. I am not joking. I want nothing more than to go home. Main gadi bulwata hoon.” Mr Bajaj said and started calling his driver. He was able to contact him and gave him their location from the phone and then they sat on a park bench waiting for it. 

“Aap aap itna sab kaise jante hain yahan ke bare main.”Prerna asked

“Maine apne career ki shuruwat yahin se ki thi. Kukki yahin par hui thi. mera business base sab yahin par hain.” Mr Bajaj replied

“You are much more relaxed here.” Prerna said

“I loved this city. I wish I could have lived here all my life. I had plans to live here only.” Mr Bajaj explained

“To phir Kolktta” Prerna asked

“Aap janti hain main Kolkotta kyun gaya tha.” Mr Bajaj said

“wapis kyun nahin aaye you know hamari shaadi ke baad “ Prerna asked

“Aapki family thi wahan pe. Aap wahan rehna chahti thi. It just didn't seem important.” Mr Bajaj replied. Prerna put her head on Mr Bajaj’s shoulders.  Just then Prerna saw a very beautiful house in front of her. There was something different about it. Among all the houses in the neighborhood it was the only one with no christmas lights just one small light was there in the front. It seemed like no one lived there. 

"Rishab!!! That house!!!!!"Prerna said and Mr Bajaj looked at him surprised.

“Prerna car aa gayi hain chaliye” Mr BAjaj asked but Prerna couldn't move.“Rishab please ek baar andar chal kar dekhe. Please!!!!” PRerna insisted.

“Prerna we are getting late and we just cannot go into someone’s house like that” Mr Bajaj interjected.

“I don't think anyone lives there. Please Rishab!!! Please!!!!” Prerna insisted and started moving inside the house as the gates had a small side door that was somehow open. Without waiting for a reply Prerna moved inside while Mr Bajaj followed her trying to stop her. The house was not in a bad condition but it was also not in a good position. Nothing that can be fixed within a few days. THere was beautiful garden space, a small building that seemed like a greenhouse and the house itself was a beautiful simple two storey house. 

“Prerna hum aise hi kisi ke ghar main nahin nahin ja sakte hain. Prerna !!!!” Mr Bajaj followed her. They went to the back of the house and found that the kitchen door was open.

“Prerna !!!! Prerna !!!!” Mr BAjaj tried to stop her but she kept moving inside putting on the torch from her phone. She felt something that she had felt in their old house- Bajaj Mansion at Kolkata. The house had a huge hall closed ceiling of course and just the right number of rooms. Towards the end of the left corner on the second floor was the master bedroom. Prerna went inside and there she saw it and she smiled - the large window with a sitting space. There was also a small fireplace. It was a bit dirty but she cleaned it with some nearby sheets and sat near the window. 

“Prerna we have to go” Mr BAjaj said 

“Rishab….” PRerna just said and moved forwards her hands. Mr Bajaj gave up, took it and then went near her and engulfed her in his arms.They both smiled in delight as in the next moment snow started falling and they hugged each other even more tightly. After sometime when the weather was better Mr BAjaj somehow convinced Prerna to come home with him but he could see that her heart was there only. So he did as he had thought. He bought that house for Prerna and after around 1 week when the house was in living condition they moved into the house. It was a beautiful surprise for Prerna as Mr BAjaj picked her up and took her into the house. Everyone from Kukki Sneha to Vishaka all loved the house and ran around it picking their room and then jumping on the beds together. 

It was the day of christmas they had all decorated a beautiful tree and after enough games tired they had gone to bed. Prerna was finishing her chores and Mr Bajaj was helping her out. Some were still left when Mr Bajaj couldn't take it anymore and hugged Prerna from behind, closed the tap and took the utensils from her hands and placed it on the countertop. He removed her hair from her bun and in an instant the beautiful curls fell down her back. Moving her hair to the side he started nibbling on her neck. Prerna realising what was about to happen whispered “Rishab!!!!! Kids” 

“Asleep!!!! All of them” Mr Bajaj whispered. Prerna slowly turned around and Mr Bajaj showed his hands. PRerna took it with a smile and they moved towards their room. After a long sleepless night filled with love and marks Prerna and Mr BAjaj were engulfed in each other's arms in a blanket near the fireplace of their large bedroom. Snow was falling outside. Mr Bajaj was giving small kisses on Prerna’s neck and shoulder while Prerna made patterns with her hands on his chest and arms trying to understand the things tattooed on them. It was a simple game for them that they enjoyed in their personal hours. Even if Mr Bajaj laughed while talking about them PRerna knew more that they were not mere patterns but scars from his abusive past that were hidden in them. She tried to erase those memories with the happy ones. After sometime gaining all her strength Prerna said quietly “Rishab!!!!”

“Hmmm” Mr Bajaj said 

“Kuch Mango aapse??” Prerna asked and in a way Mr Bajaj knew what she was about to say. Mr Bajaj stopped what he was doing and Prerna looked at him straight. Mr Bajaj caressed her cheeks. 

“Achi tarah se soch lijiye Prerna. This will be a very big step. Aapki family se itni door aur fir Sneha” Mr Bajaj tried to put the consequences. 

“Meri family mere Maa Baba the  aur ab sirf aap hain yeh family hain.That is all that matters. Sneha hamari beti hain hum jaha lekar chale use.” PRerna replied by taking Mr BAjaj’s hands in hers. “Please Rishab for us, for our family we need this” Prerna replied. “One year almost after a year Kukki has slept peacefully without any nightmares, Sneha for the first time slept alone without asking for Kukki. Vishaka doesn't shy away; she  asks for what she wants: food or clothes. Usne mujhe maasi bola Rishab.” 

“I know but…. !!!” Mr BAjaj said, running a hand over his face. 

“Aur….. Rishab!!! Rishab!!!! main jina chahti hoon rishab khul ke saans lena chahti hoon aapke saath. Bina yeh soche ki kaun kya keh raha hain kaun kya sochta hain bina kisi judgement ke. Please !!!!!” Prerna tried to justify herself. 

“Prerna !!!!” Mr Bajaj said, caressing her cheeks and hugging her. Mr BAjaj knew what Prerna was saying was right, In fact even he had never felt more relaxed than he had felt in the last few days in London. He wished it would never end. But that meant that every allegation that was ever placed on him that he was trying to take Prerna away from her family from Basus would become true.

“Rishab kya soch rahin hain? Aapne khud bhi to kaha tha ki aap yahin rehna chahte the. Maine dekha hain aapko rishab you are happy here. Then why what is the problem?? ” Prerna asked and Mr BAjaj came out of his thoughts.

“Aapka business" Mr Bajaj said trying to be practical

"I don't think that has a future with Maa gone and Shivani being how she is….I would most probably be starting a new one then ….kya baat hai Rishab sach bataye mujhe" Prerna replied 

"Kuch nahin” Mr Bajaj replied

“Aapke Business ko lekar issues honge” PRerna asked

“You really think mujhe uski chinta hain” Mr BAjaj said

“To phir?? Rishab 3 months main Kukki aur vishaka ka school session khatam ho jayega India main. After that we can easily shift. Kolkata !!! wahan kuch nahin hain Rishab buri yaadon ke sewa kuch bhi nahin hain waha” Prerna said with tears in her eyes. Mr BAjaj was trying to say something when they heard the boys crying. 

“Are???” Prerna said getting up. She quickly changed into the night gown and ran to the room. Hearing Hridhan crying Dhruv had also started crying as his sleep broke. But as she reached the room she found that Vishaka and Kukki were already there and were trying to get them to sleep. Prerna came and patted on their heads and one by one took the twins and fed them. After sometime they heard the noise from Sneha’s room. Before they could go Mr Bajaj entered the room with a grumpy Sneha on his shoulders. 

“Mumma uth gaye hain to can we see the gifts” Kukki said. Prerna smiling nodded. Once the boys were asleep Kukki, Vishaka and Sneha all were sitting in the hall checking their presents while Prerna bought some coffee for her and Mr Bajaj. Mr Bajaj was sitting on his new arm chair just like there was one in India gifted by Prerna. Kukki giggled at having got a small baby yoda family. Since the twins were born she wanted twins as well and so that is what she got. But they were not boys. As per their imagination they were two yoda girls. 

“It would be easier to dress up, ” Kukki said and everybody started laughing. 

Sneha was not happy with the toys and dolls everyone got her. She made a grumpy face when finally Mr Bajaj gestured to her to come towards him and gave her a new shiny planner with sticky notes and calculator and pens. There was even a set of highlighters. Sneha jumped with joy even if she didn't do anything but scribble on those papers and play drums on the calculator.

Just then Vishaka opened her gift and found a new Macbook Air shocking herself and Prerna. Vishaka’s face showed rage for a moment which Prerna understood. Prerna knew that Vishaka needed one but when PRerna asked to buy one Vishaka had refused at point black. Prerna had conveyed the same to Mr Bajaj but he still had gone ahead and bought one. Prerna gave a death look to Mr Bajaj. 

“I have exchanged your old laptop, one part money was from that, another I have taken from Saba’s savings and one I have paid. I think we have that much right on you.” Mr Bajaj said, choosing his words carefully. Vishaka nodded and with tears opened her gift. Kukki went and sat on his father’s lap and kissed him. Mr Bajaj was surprised but hugged her nevertheless.

“Mumma ka gift???” Kukki asked. Mr Bajaj looked at her thoughtful and then looked at prerna.

“Woh aap logo pe depend karta hain. Vishaka aap yaha aa sakte hoon Please” Mr BAjaj said and Vishaka complied.

“Mai aur tumhari mumma soch rahe the... that we live in the house for some more days.” Mr BAjaj said and Kukki and Vishaka made faces like “Ye okay”. Prerna surprisingly looked at Mr Bajaj.

“Like Permanently” Mr Bajaj said. Kukki and Vishaka looked at each other and then looked at Prerna who looked at them hopeful. After a while they both nodded. Prerna smiled with tears in her eyes. 

“Okay!!!!” Kukki and Vishaka said together. 

“Okay” Mr Bajaj said looking at Prerna and then Prerna replied “Okay” 

“Kudi!!!! Snow!!!!!!” Sneha shouted suddenly.

“Urghhhh!!!! Kukki di!!!!!Kukki di!!!!!Kukki di!!!!!Kukki di!!!!!” and they all started laughing enjoying their time together. 

“I have been hurled with many accusations in my lifetime, what's the issue with one more if that means that you all will be happy forever.” Mr Bajaj thought looking around his family.

And so that is what they did. Mr Bajaj closed all his business in India and what couldn't be closed he shifted to trusting people. Prerna sold her partnership to her sister. She had expected her family to say something but they had no reaction to her moving to London. It was better at least they did not hurl any bad comments on them. She hadn't even bothered with the Basus. Mr Mehra finally took retirement and Shiven his associate had taken over. When Prerna congratulated Mrs Mehra she said “Oh please I don't know what I am going to do with that man staying at home for 1 hour let alone the whole day” and Prerna laughed at her expression. Mr and Mrs Mehra had decided to stay in India in Mumbai. On their private retirement dinner with Mr and Mrs Mehra, Mr Bajaj hugged Mr Mehra and thanked him for everything. This was the only moment that Prerna got teary eyed about their shift to London. 

“Its not easy to live with a man whose brain is full of love and heart is full of brain. But if you are able to you will be Cherished in the most beautiful way. Remember it when he gets a bit difficult. I am handing him over to you with a lot of trust. Take good care of him” Mr Mehra had said to Prerna in a small moment privately. Prerna had just nodded with tears in her eyes.

But that was the best decision. Their kids were back to being nomral. Prerna had opened her own event management business and it was one of the biggest names in London. Mr Bajaj was Mr Bajaj - the same ruthless business machine for the world who was making profit a little too much every year. Kalyani Sarkar passed away during an accident some years later and Mr and Mrs Bajaj being the god parents Tushar too shifted in with the Bajaj’s. Yes things would get difficult at times as Mr Mehra had said but they worked on it very hard because what they got in return made it worthwhile. Every night watching the hustle bustle around the dinner table with their very big family Mr and Mrs Bajaj thought how the hell had they got so lucky. And every night they sent a silent prayer to Rishab's mother, to Prerna’s parents and Saba for giving them this. 

Some years later Mr Bajaj had suddenly come home early and Prerna was surprised. Once the dinner was done she was sitting on the patio with Mr Bajaj having coffee when he showed it to her. A wedding card of Anurag Basu with Ananya Malhotra. Prerna was surprised and Mr BAjaj showed her a video of Komolika being arrested on fraud and murder charges and Anurag Basu being the person to do this. Her first instinct was getting scared for Sneha but there was another envelope within the wedding card sealed. He left it with Prerna and was about to go inside. But Prerna stopped him and opened it infront of him. 

                                         “I understand. I understand now. I am sorry, I am sorry for everything. Please take care of her.”

Prerna teary eyed closed the envelope and Mr Bajaj hugged her tightly. The same night suddenly Prerna woke up to find rishab missing. She searched and found him in Sneha's room tidying it up. As he came out he saw Prerna standing at the door.

“Are you okay?” Prerna asked

“I trust you…… I am not…..” Mr BAjaj said and Prerna put a finger on his lips. 

“I know …...” Prerna 

“But….. Sneha is my daughter…. She is my daughter. She has sat with me and listened to business news with me since the age of 5. She is my….. and I dread…. I dread….. the day I have to….. I have to tell her the truth. I won’t be able to stand the hate….” Mr Bajaj said 

“She will be proud of you and she will love you even more.” Kukki said from behind, kissing Mr Bajaj on the forehead standing on her tiptoes and hugging him.

“Aur nahin manegi na to Kudi hain ek khayegi…. Sab theek ho jayega” Kukki said showing her hands. The trio laughed. 

Current Day

Mr Bajaj was looking at Sneha who was bringing Vishaka. She still didn't know the truth and God forbid he would never ever have to tell her. As Vishaka was about to come out Mr Bajaj took her hands and Dhruv, Hridhan, Tushar, Kukki all four walked with them holding a veil of flowers. It was a beautiful ceremony. Mr Bajaj never danced in public but on that day for the first time he danced with Vishaka at the reception. All eyes were teary as they bid farewell to Vishaka. Tired, they all retreated to their rooms. Prerna was sitting in her room looking out of the window. She was still wearing her  red saree but had taken off her heels and tied her hair in a bun. She was massaging her legs when Mr Bajaj entered. He took off her jacket and rolled up his sleeves and started doing the same.

“Aap pehenti kyun hain??” Mr Bajaj asked. Prerna just smiled. SHe took his hands in hers and as always Mr BAjaj caressed her mothers ring  in her finger that now had 6 diamonds. Mr Bajaj went near her and opened her bun and Prerna dropped her eyes.

“22 years!!!! 22 years!!!!!! and ….” Mr BAjaj said, lifting her chin to make her look at him.

“22 years yes but it still feels like the day we were standing on mamooni’s roof. It still feels like the day when I married you. Thank you…… Thank you…. For….” Prerna was about to say something but was stopped by Mr Bajaj’s kiss 

“Thank you…. Thank you…..” Mr BAjaj said between the kisses while picking up Prerna in his arms kissing her as it started snowing outside. 

“ Destiny ……. what is written we never know we dont have control over them. All we have control over is our actions and that is what decides our destiny.

Soulmates……. Maybe they do exist, maybe they don’t but one thing is for sure that to remain that we have to work on it we have to work hard with respect trust love support understanding friendship and that will give you your soulmate.

Choose your person that takes you to your destiny that stands by you in the path to your destiny that makes you strong and that will be your soulmate. Mr and Mrs Bajaj made each other theirs. May you find yours soon”

Love and regards

The Bajaj’s