Chapter 7

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]

Chapter - 4 (Part B)

Bhavani was trying to decipher the meaning of Shivani's words. Patralekha on the other hand, was holding her breath... This can't be true she thought.  

Bhavani - What do you mean Shivani? She was looking between Sai and Virat and Samrat and Nandini and then back at Shivani

Shivani - No Vahini.. It's not what you are thinking. You have got it wrong.

Patralekha heaved a sigh of relief

Bhavani - (Glaring at Shivani) Are you playing games with me? Stop talking in puzzles with me

Shivani - No Vahini. I'm just wondering what has gone wrong with your strong senses and intuitive mind?

Bhavani - What do you mean?

Shivani - I meant to say you are right ...but your still wrong

Bhavani - Enough Shivani

Shivani - Oho Vahini...All I was trying to say is it's not Samrat and Nandini.. they are completely occupied with Modu and Mishti. 

Just as Shivani completed her statement Nandini and Samrat walked up to their babies holding them up in their arms.

Patralekha felt panic rise up again through her veins, while the realisation dawned on Bhavani that Samrat and Nandini were parents to the twins. She was happy inwardly for Samrat, but her ego was not allowing her to show it openly.

Bhavani (trying to control her happiness) - Congratulations Mansi. I'm happy for you and Samrat

Mansi just nodded at the cold reaction from Bhavani.

Bhavani then turned to look and Virat and Sai

Shivani - Why are you looking at them Vahini? 

Bhavani - I was actually thinking about Virat and ....I mean...nothing

Shivani - No Vahini...It's not Sai and Virat..

Patralekha relaxed her racing pulses at this statement, but the next moment felt like she was being played around like a pendulum

Shivani - Vahini....Virat and Sai have no scope. They already have their hands full with Sairat and Saavi. I doubt they have plans for any more.

Bhavani and Patralekha shouted in unison - Sairat and Saavi?

Mohit - Ho Kaku. Sairat and Saavi

While they were surveying their surroundings with a questioning look, Sai looked at Usha Maushi and gestured with her hand "Where?"

Usha Maushi - Coming

And just then Aniket entered pushing a stroller with another set of twins.

Aniket - Sai.. your neighbour is obsessed with your babies. 

It's then that he looked around and noticed the new faces in the house.

Patralekha fell on the couch, Bhavani was in shock herself so she couldn't care any less for her. Ninad was happy and he wanted to reach out and cuddle his grandchildren, but one look at Bhavani's shocked face and he retracted.

Virat and Sai looked each other. They were in the best phase, happily married, blessed with twins and a very loving family.

As if on que the babies started crying out for their parents.

Virat looked down at them

Virat - Did you enjoy with Khet Mamu?

Sai glared at Virat. 

Virat (giving her an innocent look) What? Aniket is a little difficult for my babies to pronounce. So I shortened it for them. 

Aniket had become an integral part of their lives over the years and was a close friend of Sai. He was actively involved in planning their wedding.. Virat's surprise for Sai on their anniversary. However, Virat had never been able to shake off the jealousy completely. He had this love hate relationship with him. Hence, he had insisted that his babies address him as "mamu". While everyone thought that as a loving gesture, an endearment reflecting their strong bond with Aniket, Sai knew it to be otherwise. Virat picked up Saavi, planting a kiss on her cheek and in return he was swarmed with wet kisses all over his cheeks with the drool dripping. But he didn't care..she was Daddy's Princess and he adored her. His eyes reflected every emotion that he felt, holding his little girl in his arms. Sairat on the other hand attacked his mother's hair the moment she held him. This one was a brat, Mommy's little brat. Sai faked a hurt face and he instantly left her hair that he was pulling and put his arms on her and laid his head on her chest, snuggling into her. Sai lovingly kissed the top of his head, caressing his back with one hand.

Usha placed the play mat on the floor and the the babies were left on it to play. Mansi and Ashwini got down to watch the 4 of them play together. They looked at each other reminiscing the old times when Samrat and Virat were kids. 

Bhavani was lost in the scene that was being played out in front of her. There was so much and she was taking her time to let it all that sink in. Just then she remembered, that the conversation with Shivani was still incomplete. 

Bhavani - Shivani, can you stop fooling around and tell me what you actually meant?

Shivani - Are you telling me you have still not figured out what I meant? What happened with your sharp eyes? How could you miss it? Mohit and Karishma are expecting their first baby. I know that they are still in the first trimester, but still...

Karishma was blushing while Mohit was looking around at nothing in particular. Bhavani couldn't believe this. The rest had been away from home. But Mohit and Karishma were staying in CN and yet she was not informed about this pregnancy. However, it was more shocking for Sonali and Omkar. They were speechless. Despite being Mohit's parents they were unaware of this while the others knew. Where did this leave them? They were really hurt, but they had no one to blame for their state but themselves. There was so much they wanted to ask, but they couldn't make themselves utter a single word. In their eagerness to always please Bhavani they had ignored their son and daughter-in-law. Though they had done everything for them, to ensure their place in CN and secure their future. But in their attempts to be in the good books of Bhavani they had pushed their children away from them. Today they realised their mistake..but it was too late. Their son had chosen to keep such an important news from them..they had lost him in their bid to please people who never valued their son.

Mohit and Karishma had moved on to the play mat and started playing with the babies trying to avoid the prying eyes.

Sai was watching Bhavani's reaction and sensed that they were not over yet. She didn't want the babies to be exposed to it, so she asked Usha Maushi to take the babies inside the room along with Harini. 

Devyani saw the discomfort on Sai's face and understood her predicament. Sai had stood up for her so many times and she was now happily settled only because of her. She decided to do her bit for Sai.

Devyani - For how long Aai? For how long? How long are you going to make your family suffer, just to feed your ego and in the name of prestige and family lineage? When will you stop imposing yourself and your narrow minded thoughts on us. See for yourself...we are all happy. But we found happiness away from you. How does that make you feel? How does it feel that you missed all the festivities & celebrations with us? You kept protecting a nobody, who was causing so many troubles for your own selfish reasons, while you pushed away everyone who were your own. Does that give you satisfaction? Does that make you happy?

Bhavani - Stop it Devyani! Since when did you start to talk to me in that tone?

Devyani - I'm no longer the Devyani who was scared of you, the one who would be trembling at the raise of your voice. I know that I'm with my family, I'm safe and protected. But most importantly I'm not scared of you anymore. I do feel sad that as a mother you have not even noticed that I'm perfectly fine and have recovered. How can I even expect you to be happy for me then.

Bhavani was feeling embarrassed and Devyani's words were hurting her.

Devyani - Sai has stood for right all the time. But you disliked her because she was not your choice, because she went against you, because she wasn't scared of you. You hated her for her confidence, because she was the first to challenge your authority, your age old ways and belief systems. But you failed to see the goodness of her heart. You ignored the fact she always fought for this family, since, unfortunately it was always against you who was supposed to be the matriarch of our family, who was responsible for our family's happiness and well being. Have you thought why? Look around and see for yourself. What have you gained from all this and what have you lost.

Bhavani felt herself slipping away, she looked around. All eyes were pinned on her as if awaiting answers from her. But then straightened, pulling herself together. 

They had fooled her. All this while they were playing happy family behind her back. She felt that she was a stock of mockery for them. She cannot forgive them for this. The anger building at the betrayal soon overpowered the slipping emotions. 

Bhavani - So all this while, you were all fooling me. Hiding your bonding from me.(Pointing at Sai) I know you are the mastermind. You turned my entire family against me. You were the one who was instigating them and making them rebel against me behind my back.

Ashwini - Sai has done nothing. All she did was work towards bringing this family together and making them happy. We didn't intend on hiding anything from you. But if you knew about the growing bond would you have allowed it? You along with your favourite so called daughter would had planned to ruin everything. We just wanted to be together and enjoy the company of each other in peace, without the toxicity of the taunts and abuses, planning and plotting that had become the foundation of CN. That no longer seems like home because of all this. So we build a home for ourselves away from CN. What is wrong with it?

Ninad - So you were always part of this?

Ashwini - Yes Ninad. I was informed about everything from day one. I was the part of everything that happened in their lives in these 5 years. We had weekly family group calls and were updated about each other. We have all been part of all the major celebrations and events in each others lives. From Sai and Virat's marriage on their 2nd anniversary, Samrat and Nandini's wedding and Nandini and Sai's delivery. You remember the last time I told you Virat had called and wanted me to come over and stay with him for sometime. Mohit had come along with Karishma to drop and pick me up later. It was for Nandini and Sai's baby shower and I had stayed back for their deliveries. Whether its Mansi Tai, Samrat and Nandini or Karishma and Mohit or Devyani and Pulkit along with Harini, they all made the efforts to come together whenever possible, ensuring regular visits,  spending  family time with each other, coming together as one family. 

Sonali and Omkar were looking at Mohit and Karishma trying to understand how and when all this had happened.

Mohit - Don't look at us like that. We would drop by at their places, during my outdoor shoots. (Feeling a little guilty) Sometimes under the pretext of shoots too.

Ninad - Ashwini, so you along with your favourite DIL have been instigating and misguiding everyone.

Ashwini - I really have nothing to say to you Ninad, if you refuse to see things in proper light even now.

Ninad - You know what. I have had enough of you and your nonsense. I don't want you back in CN now. You have no place in that house

Ashwini - You don't have to ask me to leave Ninad. I had already taken that decision

(Turning towards Sai and Virat) Sai you have been more than a daughter to me, you helped me understand my self worth and take a stand for myself. Both of you have asked me to come and stay with you so many times. Though I was tempted, but I have always been hesitant to take that step. There were so many weak moments in my life since I started to stay in CN, but I could never gather the courage to take a stand for myself or walk out. It was my circumstances which further pulled me back. But you both have given me immense strength. You have made me believe in myself and that's why I had decided to pursue my graduation. I can't thank you both for helping me find myself and my strength.

(Turning back to Ninad) So Ninad, like I said, I had already made up my mind. I'm staying with my children and grandchildren. I had packed accordingly. And for the rest, it's sorted and Mohit will have that shifted. So neither me nor any of my stuff will now occupy space in CN.

Ninad was stunned to hear his wife's words. 

Sai and Virat hugged Ashwini. They were so happy to have her stay with them permanently. Virat felt proud of his mother, how she had decided to take charge of her life at this age. And be couldn't stop smiling thinking about the person who made that possible. His Sai!

Bhavani looked around her. 

Devyani was right! But then there was something that was stopping her. No.. She is Bhavani Chavan. She can't lose, she wouldn't bow down and accept defeat. Never.

Bhavani - You all may be feeling proud of yourselves, that you have fooled us, deafeted us. But I'm Bhavani Chavan. I will not lose to you.

Sai - We never intended to play any games with you Kaku. All we have ever wanted was your love and blessings..your acceptance. But you refused us that. And we were forced to build a life, a family for ourselves outside CN. Don't we deserve our happiness? We have nothing against you Kaku, and we would be more than happy if you all accept us and are willing to let us live our lives. As elders you have a right to correct us, scold and punish us when we are wrong. All we ask for is a open, harmonious space, where everyone's views and likes and preferences are respected and each member is valued. That's a family, a home we want and we would definitely want you as part of it.

Bhavani - Do you really think I'm interested in listening to your nonsense. You have done enough damage already. 

I think we should leave now. We are certainly not welcome here and I will not stay where I'm not respected. Ashwini, you will soon realise what you had and what you lost. But all I can say is...Good riddence.  Mohit and Karishma, if you want to stay in CN, you will have to stop being in the company of these people. You and Karishma will leave with us right now

Mohit - I'm sorry Kaku. We are staying back.

Bhavani couldn't believe that Mohit was rebelling against her.

Bhavani - Do you realise the consequences?

Mohit - We had planned to explain things in a more amicable situation, but since this has reached this juncture, I want to reveal it to you now.(He looked at Samrat and Virat for permission to go ahead). Kaku, I have decided to move out with Karishma.

Bhavani, Ninad, Omkar and Sonali were taken aback by Mohit's words. They knew that Mohit's was now a successful actor and financially independent, but they never thought that he would ever leave CN.

Samrat - We have always wanted to stay together as one family. But unfortunately we got separated and had to lead individual lives away from each other. Though we strived to stay closer as much as possible, with passing time we understood that we could possibly never stay as a close knit family.. Not in CN.

Virat - So we decided to build our own home away from CN. We all have been working together for it. And recently managed to purchase a property. We have all contributed in our own ways to make this dream happen. We realise that you are our family and also our responsibility. So we bought this house closer to CN. We will be in touch and will keep visiting you all regularly and will be around to cater to your needs. But we have decided to build a house that we can call home.. But that will not be CN.

Bhavani - I have had enough. I don't think I want to hear anything more. Let's go

Omkar - Vahini, we have lived all our lives as per your choice. We have followed you blindly, never going against you. But all this we did to ensure that we can live peacefully in CN. We knew that you held the position of power above all of us, and we didn't dare to disobey you. We did all this so that our son would have a security of a house..a family. But in all this we never realised that he had drifted away from us. He neither agreed nor respected us for our choices. And we let him suffer all the rebukes and humiliation. But now we have decided to change our ways. We did everything for Mohit. What is our life without him? So we have also decided to leave CN and be with Mohit and Karishma where ever they go.

Bhavani couldn’t believe that one after the other everyone was leaving her. But she was still not ready to give up.

Bhavani - Fine. I don't need you all either.

Pakhi , Ninad let's leave.

Patralekha - Wow! You think I will live in that CN, and serve you my entire life? I wasted 6 years of my life running around you, trying to please you, doing everything as per your wishes. But you know why I did all that? Not beacuse I had some eternal connection or undying love for you. To be honest, I have despised you at various occasions. But I stuck around, because I thought you are the only one who could make my dream come true. Bhavani Chavan, the head of Chavan family, no one could go against you. Everyone followed your orders. So I did what others did, to be your favourite person in the house. To help me oust Sai from CN and to marry Virat. I stayed back after divorce, didn't go to my parents house..my home. Just because I wanted to fulfill my wish, to get married to Virat. But all my efforts were in vain and you have turned out to be utterly useless. You couldn't even drive this Sai away from Virat or make him obey you. And now after wasting so many years of my life serving you for nothing, you expect me to continue doing it. No Bhavani Chavan. You thought I was your most obedient daughter-in-law, but I was using you. Using you to fulfill my dream. I don't need you anymore, so you can just go to be for all I care.

Sai - Shut Up Patralekha! Don't you dare utter another word. This is my house and you are an unwanted visitor. I will not allow any of your nonsense in this house. Before I lose my patience, just get out of here. Right now! 

Jaya surprisingly appeared and went to open the door. She then stood there tapping the open door looking expectantly at Patralekha. Patralekha glared at her. Jaya refused to be affected and returned back the stare. When Patralekha didn't move she made a hand gesture for her to leave through the door. Stomping her foot on the floor, she threw the cushion that she picked up from sofa on the floor. When she aimed for the vase on the table, Jaya calmly called out.

Jaya - If you touch or break anything that does not belong to you, I will break your hand. And will ensure that you pay for any losses before you leave. 

The look Jaya gave Patralekha made stop in her tracks, and then deciding otherwise, picked up her bag and walked out swiftly as if running to save her life.

Bhavani and Ninad left after her without another word. They did try to peep into the room to get a glimpse of the babies on their way out. It took all their willpower not to give in when they saw their faces giggling away unaware of the storm outside.

Though the others were upset with their departure and wanted them to stay back as well, they somehow were half expecting this turn out. With a heavy heart and still a little hope, they looked on as Bhavani and Ninad drove away. Maybe one day, they will all be together. Staying happily under one roof. One day!

Bhavani and Ninad were quiet on the drive back, lost in their own thoughts.

Bhavani knew that she was the reason for her desolate state. She recalled the scene at Virat's place. There was happiness all around her, but she was not part of it. Her family, her happiness, her life, all just lay ahead of her, at arm's length, and for her to grab it. It was entirely her choice. All she needed to do was extend her hand and all that could be hers. They reached an intersection, the road ahead would take them to CN, towards a life of solitude and regret. And the U-turn would take them back to their family, to a life full of love, happiness and contentment. As the signal changed to yellow, there was a flicker of doubt for a second before Bhavani made up her mind!

The End

[MEMBERSONLY]