SS: Peehu Ram Kapoor last part on Pg 5 - Page 3

Part 3

Things seemed to be getting better for Priya, Peehu and Ram when suddenly their world turned upside down. The roller-coaster of life is taking them on a torrid whirlwind of a ride tossing them all over the place. Here lies Peehu, the one string that is binding the broken soul together at this point, still and peaceful causing a major storm in the lives of those who love her the most. The rise and fall of her chest is the only signs of life that this little angel is showing. There is an uncanny calm in Priya even as she kneels beside Peehu's bed, holding her hand as if that was her life's strings that were threatening to slip away from her hands. There is no emotion at all on her face, except for the tears that are threatening to flow out of her eyes. Ram is distraught and is crying incessantly. He is helpless, the very same MR. RAM KAPOOR, the invincible one, THE business tycoon for whom nothing is impossible, is unable to do anything to bring that bright spark, smile and nonstop chatter of his darling Rockstar. Except for the beeping of the machines that are connected to Peehu, the only proof that she is alive, there is an uncanny silence in the room. The doctors and nurses are walking in and out of the room, reading the machines, checking the drips and oxygen levels, looking into her eyes and eventually shaking their heads in despair.

Neither Priya nor Ram has realized that the sun has set bringing the day to an end and the darkness of the night brings more fears about the situation. Is Peehu going to pull through the night or is this little princess going to pay for her parents mistakes? No one can tell and all they do is wait, wait and continue to wait for a miracle to lift her out of this misery. KK and Soumya are waiting outside the room, waiting to have a word with Ram or Priya, giving them some support and strength to take them through the darkest phase of their lives. Both have tears in their eyes as they look through the glass doors at Peehu and then at Ram and Priya. Ram tries to get Priya to sit on the stool beside Peehu, but she just refuses as if she is punishing herself for being the reason for her daughter's present state. She refuses to take her eyes off of her darling Princess, lest she misses a signal for help from her daughter, a big signal that they ignored in the past which was what led to this grave situation.

The doctor comes in and whispers something in Ram's ears and he looks at the door and sees KK and Soumya. The doctor signs for him to go out and meet with them and he lifts his hand from Priya's shoulder and goes out. He takes a hold of KK and just breaks down on her shoulder.

Ram: Ma, what have I done to my little Rockstar? Please do something to bring her out of this Ma. I promise to give her all the happiness and joy that she so richly deserves. Ma, my heart aches for her and Priya, because I am the reason for her condition and all I did was to yell at Priya to back off so that I could have her to myself. Ma how could I have made such a big mistake? Why do I always hurt the ones I love, always Ma? How could I?

KK takes Ram to the chair in the waiting area and makes him sit down beside her. He rests his head in her lap like a little child looking for comfort, looking for his mother's touch because that touch heals even the biggest and deepest of wounds. KK strokes his hair and talks to him in a gentle tone: Beta Ram, don't worry, everything will be fine now. Both you and Priya have to reassure Peehu that everything is going to be fine and she will get all the happiness that she rightfully deserves. Repentance is the only bandage to any wound, however deep or deadly it is. God will help those that are truly sorry for what they have done. Remember beta, God gives you only as much pain as you can bear. Once this nightmare is over, you will look back at it with relief and be thankful for happier times. Please don't worry beta, at the moment Priya needs your support and strength, so you need to be strong for her and for Peehu. Even though she looks so lifeless, she can see you and hear everything that is going on around her and seeing you and Priya support each other will help her come out of this problem, unharmed. Please be strong Beta and remember I will always love you.

Ram feels so comforted just listening to his mother, whom he was so angry with for leaving him. Now she is the one who is standing by him as a pillar. Such is the love of a mother for her child – however big or small the child may be. And I doubted that love and tested it all these years and continue to demean it! How can my mother love me so much in spite of me refusing to accept her in my life, in spite of insulting her and forsaking her for another?

KK: Beta, please get up and have a bite to eat before you go back in the room to be with Priya and Peehu. Once you have eaten, you will have the strength to support Priya, who needs you more than anyone else at this moment.

Ram: Ma, food will not go down my throat at this time. I am choked with tears and food is the last thing on my mind. I just cannot understand how all this happened and things just changed in a matter of seconds.

Soumya is about to say something when she hears "RAM" from behind her. She turns around to see who the owner of that authoritative tone of voice is and purses her lips and shakes her head from side to side as she recognizes the owner of that voice.

Ayesha comes to Ram and kneels down in front of KK and puts her hand on his head: Ram, what happened? I heard you were in hospital and had all sorts of scary visions as I rushed here to see you. Thank God you are safe, what are you doing here?

Ram just turns his face away and pushes her hand from his head: Just leave me alone Ayesha. I don't need any of those tears. Save them for a rainy day.

Ayesha tries to say something when KK raises her hand to say stop and goes back to rubbing Ram's back.

Soumya takes Ayesha aside: You had better run from here, Ayesha. If you value your life, you had BETTER pray hard that the troubles Bhappa is going through ends soon, or you will pay with your life my dear. You don't know what you have done this time. I think you have just outdone yourself.

Ayesha has no clue what Soumya is talking about: Soumya, I don't understand what you are saying. I just heard that Ram was in the hospital and so came as I was really concerned.

Soumya: Concerned my foot! Oh well you are probably concerned that if something happened to Bhappa then where will you get your golden eggs from. Ayesha, take my suggestion and just leave from here and don't show your face to Bhappa in a long while.

With that Soumya leaves Ayesha and comes back to Ram and KK. Ayesha just rolls her eyes (the only thing she can actually do in style) and walks away.

Ram lifts his head from KK's lap: Ma, I better go back inside. Thank you for being there for me Ma, please don't leave me alone. I need you to be with me.

KK smiles at him: Beta, I am always with you at all times, just remember one thing, we all love you, Priya and Peehu and will do everything we can, including fighting with God if necessary and we are there for you. By the way, Kush is with Nuts and is really upset. He is very worried about Peehu and told us what happened in his classroom. The information might be important for the doctors and help them in their treatment Beta. Please give it a thought and I think you need to listen to Kush.

Ram: I don't want Kush to come to the hospital as the situation here is rather grave. I would certainly like to talk with him and get to the bottom of this. Something really serious must have happened for Peehu to be so persistent about going to Priya's place on her own like that. Will it be possible for Choti to bring him to the car park and I will go down and talk to him. If necessary, I will take the doctor to talk to him as well.

KK nods her head and Soumya calls Nuts and talks to her.

Soumya: Bhappa, Choti said she will bring Kush and call me once they are here and you can go and talk to him. For now I think you should go back to Peehu and Bhabhi.

While all this is happening outside, there is a lot going on in Peehu's mind. She keeps recollecting Ram's conversation with Priya in her school "If you know what is best for your daughter and for her to settle down well with me, then you need to BACK OFF". These words keep echoing in her head and the fear in her face keeps increasing. I love you Mamma, I want to be with you. I don't want to stay with Papa in his house. Kush's mother is very bad and I am scared of her Mamma. Please protect me. I need your help and only you can help me Mamma. A lone tear escapes from her left eye and goes unnoticed as Priya is on her right and she doesn't see it. "Mamma I want to talk to you, I want a hug from you, Mamma, I love you". Peehu is saying all this in her mind but is too weak to open her eyes and talk to her Mamma who is waiting to hear her voice just one time. "Mamma, I know you cannot hear me, but I need your help Mamma. Please take me in your arms and hold me close to your heart. I will be fine if I am near your heart Mamma, please listen to me".

Priya senses that Peehu is trying to say something to her and looks up at her face: Yes, my bachcha, what do you want? Please say something, I will do anything for you. Nurse, I think my daughter is trying to talk with me, do you see any changes in her? I can hear her very faintly, She needs my help and I can hear her cry for help.

Nurse checks all the machines and her vital signs and says: There is no change Madam, it is just your imagination. She is unconscious and cannot talk now.

Priya is absolutely sure that she can hear Peehu: Nurse, I am her mother, and I know she is trying to reach out for help from me. Can I just hold her close to me while all these wires and tubes are running around her? I promise I will not harm her or come in the way of the tubes. I think she needs to be close to me.

The nurse talks with the doctor and both the doctor and the nurse slowly prop up Peehu in such a way that Priya has her in her arms, holding her close to her heart. Both Peehu and Priya feel connected and Priya says: Baby, please don't be scared, your Mamma is with you and I promise I will NEVER leave you EVER. Whether Papa is there or not, I will be with you always. This is a promise I am making to you my Princess. Please open your eyes darling. See your Mamma is with you, holding you close to her heart, baby. I love you very much and you are my very life baby. Just open your eyes and look at me. You don't have to even talk or say anything. Just open your eyes and look at your Mamma. Everything is going to be fine.

Peehu feels safe; listening to her Mamma's soft voice is like music to her ears. Hearing her heart beat soothes her and she is happy, but is unable to say anything to her Mamma. She just stays in her arms close to her heart and her restless mind is slowly calming down. Priya is staring into Peehu's eyes as if she is waiting for her to open them and look at her. It seems as if she will miss that first glimpse of Peehu with her eyes open if she takes her eyes off her.

When Ram enters the room he sees Peehu in Priya's arms and immediately thinks something has happened and rushes to the bedside: Priya, is everything okay? Why are you holding her like that? He checks to feel her pulse and looks for the rise and fall of her chest. He heaves a sigh of relief when he sees that she has not gotten worse. He looks intensely at Priya as she holds Peehu in her arms, close to her heart and remembers how safe and reassured he felt as he put his head in KK's lap and smiles. In his heart he feels Peehu is going to get better.

Suddenly the machine starts beeping and the doctor immediately comes to her bedside to see what happened. Her heart rate is suddenly racing and it pushes up her blood pressure as well. They look at the drip and check her thoroughly wondering why there is a sudden change in her.

Peehu sees Ram walk in and stand beside the bed. She suddenly feels scared that he has come to take her with him to KM and she begins to feel agitated. That is why there was a change in her vital signs and that got everyone worried.

Priya notices the agitation in Peehu and realizes the reason, but doesn't want to say anything as she is not sure. She holds her closer to her heart: Baby, don't worry, nothing will go wrong with you bachcha. Mamma is going to be with you always, so you should not be scared. Please calm down baby.

Ram is so taken up by the soft and calm voice Priya uses when she is talking to Peehu. Even he feels very comforted when he hears her talk with that tone of voice. He can feel Priya's strength of mind and resolve to get her daughter out of whatever is troubling her and he is touched. Tears stream out of his big round eyes, down his cheeks: He moves close to Peehu and says in a choked voice: Rockstar, I don't know if you can hear me. I just want to say that you are the most brave little girl I have ever known. I don't know what is troubling you, but I promise that I will do my best to remove all your troubles. I am sorry that you have to go through all this, but once more, let me tell you that I will do whatever I can to make you happy and if that means you have to go back to staying with your Mamma, then you will stay with her. I promise to make things right for you my child. I understand that there is no safer place to be in than in your mother's arms. I love you very much Rockstar and Mamma loves you too.

Peehu hears her Papa's voice and something in what he said or how he said rings very true to her innocent mind. She is happy to hear her Papa promise to let her stay with her Mama and slowly she begins to calm down. Her heart rate comes back to normal and everyone heaves a sigh of relief.

Okay friends, this is getting to be a really long update, so I decided to cut it into two parts. The next part is going to be the last part to this story and I will update it really soon. Thanks for all the kind words of praise and encouragement. Believe me, it means a lot to me.

Soumya calls Ram out: he gestures to Priya that he will be back in a few minutes and he leaves the room once again. She shuts her eyes and nods her head saying it is okay for him to go out. She continues to stare into Peehu's eyes as if she is psyching her to open them.

Ram goes down to the parking lot and sees Kush and Choti in her car. He gets into the car and by the look on Choti's face realizes that this is something serious as she looks very angrily at Ram and shakes her head from side to side. He smiles at Kush and takes him in his arms and gives him a hug: Hi Champ, how are you? Kush looks at him and smiles.

Nuts: How is Peehu Bhai, any improvement?

Ram frowns and shakes his head.

Nuts: I will go in and see how Peehu is doing and check if Priya wants any help. Just text me when you are done talking with Kush and I will come back.

Ram: Wait Choti, I will take Kush to the cafeteria and chat with him there.

All three of them walk into the hospital building, Nuts goes upstairs and Ram and Kush go to the cafeteria and gets a fruit juice for Kush.

Ram: Kush, I want you to know that Peehu is fine and we are praying that she can go home soon.

Kush: But, Papa, Peehu said she doesn't want to ever come to our house and she will stay with her mother. Peehu has been very sad for sometime Papa. I think she is scared of Mom because she beat me the other day and told Peehu she would beat her if she didn't listen to her. Mom doesn't love me or Peehu Papa. She is always shouting at me and I think Peehu is not used to it. Peehu said that her Mamma never beats her. Papa, do you think that is true? I thought all mother's beat their children.

Ram is shocked as he remembers his conversation with Ayesha that morning on their way to school on how hard she was trying to be Peehu's mother. He cannot believe that she could lie with such a straight face. His eyes are turning red and Peehu's frightened face comes in front of him. He shuts his eyes and shakes his head from side to side. Tears rush out of his eyes and he is trying his best to stop them. Kush sees Ram crying and goes to wipe his tears.

Kush: Papa, please don't cry, when you cry I also become very sad.

Ram holds Kush close to him and tries his best to calm down. Finally he wipes the tears off his face and bends back to look at Kush in his eyes: Okay Kush, tell me what happened in school today.

Kush tells him about how his mother came to the class and told the teacher that Peehu wets the bed at home and that she needs to give her extra attention and how all the children started laughing and teasing Peehu. He goes on to tell him how she did not want to go to KM and wanted to go to her Mamma and that she was going to live with her Mamma. Ram is listening to all this and his eyes are slowly turning red and he is breathing heavily. He remembers Priya trying to tell him so many times about how uncomfortable Peehu was in KM and how she might be scared of Ayesha and he also remembers how he supported Ayesha and shouted at Priya. He looks very ashamed and has a flashback of the time when Priya tries to show him the evidence of how Niharika was manipulating him and the truth about KK.

Ram talks to himself: What is wrong with me? Do I really love Priya? Why do I always find fault with her and not trust her? Yet again she has proved me wrong and showed me how gullible I am. I feel so small in front of her and I keep putting my foot in my mouth every time I open it. I am so sorry Priya. And I cannot even say this one simple word "sorry" to her because of my big fat ego. Its all my fault.

Kush: Papa, papa, are you alright? Please talk to me.

Ram breaks out of his thoughts and looks at Kush: Thank you very much Kush, you have given me very important information and now I promise you that we will all work at getting Peehu back to her usual happy self.

Kush smiles at Ram and hugs him: Papa, so is Peehu not going to come and stay with us? How will I play with her? She is my sister and I love her. I love Priya angel too. I like how much Priya angel loves Peehu and she also loves me I think Papa. She is very kind, just like an angel. Papa, please don't be angry with Priya angel. Talk to her nicely and like you said she will make everything alright.

Ram looks at Kush through his tears and nods his head. He calls the doctor and tells him about his talk with Kush. The doctor wants to talk with Kush so calls them to his cabin.

Ram: Doctor, I hope you realize Kush is only five years old.

Doctor: That is alright Mr. Kapoor, sometimes these five year olds are the ones that open our eyes and give us vital clues to help in the most difficult of cases. I will call the psychologist to my office too, so she can also hear Kush and see what she suggests as well.

Ram thanks the doctor and disconnects the phone and calls Nuts and tells her what transpired between him and the doctor. Nuts says she will meet him at the doctor's office and they go through everything with the doctors.

Both the doctor and the psychologist listen to everything that Kush said and look at each other. Ram looks at them and Nuts. The doctor pats Kush on his back and tells Nuts to take him back home as it is late and he needs to get some sleep.

Pshchologist: Where is Kush staying tonight?

Natasha: With me and my in laws Doctor. Is there some problem?

Psyc: I don't know how to say this but I am putting this down in black and white and I don't want to mince words. I will discuss this with you Mr. Kapoor, but I do not want Kush to go back to his mother now.

Nuts: That is fine doctor, I will make sure his mother doesn't come near him. She doesn't live with us anyway and I will tell the rest of the family about your advise.

Psyc: Get police protection for whatever it is worth, because this is serious stuff. She turns to Kush and holds his hands and talks to him with a broad smile on her face: Kush dear, thank you for all the information you have given us. We will do our very best to make everything alright. I must say you are a very brave boy and a very good brother. Keep up the good work and take care of your sister, she needs a brother like you.

Kush nods his head and leaves with Nuts.

Psyc: Mr. Kapoor this is a very serious issue and I am forced to take this case to family welfare. Your wife might even lose custody of Kush and if she cannot be removed from the surroundings, we will have to send Kush to a foster home. This is a choice you will have to make. Kush will also need some counseling and that should be enough for him. But, Peehu's case is a lot more serious. She might need psychiatric evaluation and we might need to put her on some strong anti depressant medication if she doesn't come out of this within the next twenty-four hours. She is going through deep depression and I am just hoping she gets out of this without the medication, as the side effects might do some permanent damage to her. I don't want to scare you, but I have to tell you how serious a situation we have in our hands. I think she feels very secure in her mother's care so it is best that she is with her. If she can talk to her and help her come out of the present situation, then we will not need to medicate her. Otherwise we will be left with no option. I am glad we are addressing this problem now, even though it might be a little late, but the mental health is as important as physical health. You have overlooked the signs for a while and that is what has led to this situation. One more thing, Mr. Kapoor I know you are not going to like what I am going to say, but I think you should leave Peehu with her mother for now. She might have trust issues with you also and this is not the time to pressure her to accept you. It will be difficult for her to trust you at this point as she might feel that she is in this condition because she is staying with you.

Ram is listening to all this with shock written all over his face. He remembers all that Priya has been telling him and how he kept passing it off as an over protective mother's feelings. He now understands how he has indirectly been the cause of Peehu's present condition. Peehu not trusting him, how can that be? How can I not be there for them? He is so stunned and numbed with all that he is listening to and doesn't know how to react.

Psyc: Mr. Kapoor, don't worry Peehu is in good hands – the best hands that can treat her – her mother, in whom she has absolute trust. You will have to trust Priya to make the right decisions for her daughter and that is the only thread of hope we are holding on to at this point to avoid psychiatric intervention. If you want what is best for Peehu, you should leave her with her mother and hope for the best.

Ram: But aren't you a psychiatrist?

Psyc: No Mr. Kapoor, I am a psychologist and not a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor while a psychologist is a clinical counselor. The former helps patients with problems that cannot be set right by counseling. A psychologist is not authorized to prescribe medication for serious psychological issues. I will talk to Priya and see if we can help Peehu respond through counseling and if that doesn't work then we will have to refer to a psychiatrist who will then evaluate the intensity of depression and might need to start her on anti-depressant medication which we usually don't use unless absolutely necessary in children this young.

Ram: Thank you very much for clearing my doubts. I want what is best for Peehu and if that means I have to stay away from her, then I will.

Psyc: It might be a good idea for you to stay with Kush and reassure him that everything will be fine and make sure that his mother is not allowed to see him. Like I said we have to take this case up with the family welfare department.

Ram: That is fine doctor, I understand you have to do what is the best for the child. I just want to tell you that my sister is very close to Kush so in case you need to separate him from Ayesha, I would request you to let Natasha keep Kush with her. That way he is also comfortable and not amidst strangers, because I don't want him to have any problems because of all this.

The doctors nod their head and they all go to Peehu's room. Ram walks with them and very reluctantly stops outside the door as he watches them go into the room to chat with Priya. He updates KK and Soumya with all that the doctor had to say and told them not to tell Ayesha what is going on. She is not allowed to be around Kush also, so if she creates any drama, they should tell him. He decides to stay with Kush for the night in Priya's flat and then wait for further instructions from the doctor the next day.

KK gives him a hug and pats him on his back: Don't worry Beta; this is just a temporary thing. I am sure Peehu will not have trust issues with you, but for now, if that is the best for Peehu, I think you should stay away from her. Don't worry, she will be fine soon. Is there any way I can have a word with Priya before I leave? I just want to hold her hand just once and tell her that everything will be fine and she needs to be strong for Peehu's sake.

The doctor and the psychologist walk into the room and take a look at the charts and look at Peehu lying peacefully in Priya's arms.

Psyc goes close to the bed and talks to Peehu in a calm and soothing tone: Hello Peehu, how are you doing? I know you can hear me darling, but you are too weak to respond. I just want you to hear what I have to say. You have a wonderful mother and she is here to take care of you. You will be alright very soon and I promise that once you open your eyes and are able to talk to us, we will send you home to stay with your Mamma. That is a promise from me and I will talk to your family and tell them that Peehu will stay only with her Mamma and no one can stop her. Now all you have to do is get well and strong and you can go home. We are now going to take away the needle that is feeding you. If you can wake up and feed yourself, then we will not need to put it back. I am very sure that you will be alright real soon. For now, I will need to take your Mamma to my office just outside the room so that I can talk to her. I promise she will be back with you real soon. Till she comes back, this doctor uncle will be by your side and make sure no one else comes in to disturb you. Is that alright honey?

The Psyc gestures to Priya to step out for a few moments and helps her put Peehu down on the bed. Priya is very reluctant to go out of the room leaving Peehu alone, but the Psyc tells her that she needs to talk to her and she can go back to Peehu real soon.

As they step out, Priya looks through the glass at Peehu and touches the glass as if it is connected to Peehu in some way. Her tears are flowing and she turns her face away so Peehu cannot see her cry. She sees Ram, KK and Soumya and comes crashing down on a chair in the corridor, covers her face with both her hands and weeps, as if she was controlling herself all this time and needed this outburst. KK sits beside her and keeps stroking her back to calm her.

Ram gets on his knees and holds her hands in his and he is also sobbing: Priya, please don't cry, Peehu is going to be fine. You really are the world's best Mamma as she says. As long as you are with her she will be happy and her happiness means everything to me also. Please listen to what the Psyc has to say and follow her advice. Everything is going to be fine.

Priya moves her hands from her face and looks at Ram in the eye. She closes her eyes briefly and takes a deep breath and exhales slowly: Ram, I cannot see my baby in this condition. Why can't God take away all her suffering and give it to me? It is not her fault Ram, she is only five years old.

Ram takes her hands in his and gently strokes them: See Priya, she is suffering because of me and I am going to set things right so she can be better. I promise she will be better soon, for that you will have to follow what the Psyc says. I will go and stay with Kush in your flat if you don't mind. You are with Peehu and I think I need to be with him as he also seems very upset.

Priya nods her head: Please give Kush a hug from me and tell him that he is the best brother any one can have. She gets up and smiles weakly at KK and Soumya.

KK comes forward and holds Priya's hands: Trust in God Priya, He will make everything alright. Don't worry, you need to stay strong for Peehu's sake. We are all with you and appreciate what you are doing for your daughter. Continue it and she will be out of here in no time.

She nods her head and turns towards the Psyc: Yes, doctor what did you want to say to me?

Psyc: Priya, you are an amazing mother, I admire your strength and I am sure you will be able to help Peehu come out of her problem if you continue being strong and talk to her encouraging her to come out of this.

Then she goes on to explain the conversation she had with Ram about the gravity of the situation and that they have twenty-four hours to get her conscious or they might have to medicate her. Priya listens to everything and nods her head with new resolve.

Priya: Doctor, I will do anything to bring my daughter out of this problem. Just tell me what to do and I will do it. She is my life and I want the best for her.

So, the Psyc gives her advice and they both go back inside Peehu's room. Priya gets back on the bed and takes Peehu in her arms close to her heart and sings her favorite song and keeps talking to her in a calm and soothing voice. Psyc listens to her and is very impressed. Her eyes get moist too when she sees the mother's love for her daughter and is moved. They leave the mother and daughter along with the duty doctor and the nurse.

Priya: Baby, I am so happy that you can hear me and I will keep talking to you till you ask me to keep quiet. I love you very much and I am sure everything is going to be fine. Once you are strong enough, I will take you home and no one is going to separate the two of us ever. Even your Papa said that you can stay with me from now on, so don't you worry that little head of yours, you are going to be fine my dear. I cannot wait for you to be strong enough to go home and guess what, I am going to make you some of the best Aloo Parathas you have ever eaten.

Priya goes on talking to her, telling her stories, singing her favorite songs and after a while she can feel Peehu move. She calls the doctor softly and she comes close and observes that she is indeed moving her limbs. Peehu holds Priya's finger feebly and is trying to make the grip stronger. She moves her legs a little and in no time, she opens her eyes slowly. Priya looks at her Princess through the tears that flood her eyes.

Priya has a broad grin on her face and looks at her darling in her eyes: Hello my Princess! How do you feel now?

Peehu smiles feebly and closes her eyes again. She clutches on to her mother's finger more firmly now and continues to smile at her. She opens her eyes again and slowly turns her head anxiously around as if she is looking to see who else is in the room with them.

Priya understands her fears and holds her closer as if she is almost inside her, pushing her closer to her heart with every movement: Baby, there is no one else in the room, just the doctor, nurse, Peehu and Mamma. Once the doctor checks you and finds you are alright, she will take out all the wires that are connected to you and you will be more comfortable. All I want you to do is rest and get stronger. Let me know if you want something.

Peehu turns her face slowly and buries it into Priyas chest. She feels so safe and secure in her Mamma's arms listening to her heartbeat. She goes back to sleep and Priya leans her head against the pillow and takes a deep breath: Thank you God!

As the early morning sun's rays are peeping into the room through the curtains, Peehu stirs a bit and Priya bends down to look at her. She opens her eyes slowly and this time with very little effort. She raises her arm and puts her tiny fingers on Priya's face to wipe a tear that has popped out of her eye. Priya takes Peehu's tiny hand and holds it against her mouth and gives her a deep kiss and takes her in her arms and hugs her.

Priya: Good morning Princess. How are you feeling this morning?

Peehu whispers softly: I love you Mamma, please don't leave me and go.

Priya: Never bachcha, you are mine and mine for ever. You are my life and how can I live without my life jaan. I love you too baby. Priya is so happy to hear her voice and cannot stop her tears.

Peehu: Please don't cry Mamma. You are the best Mamma in the whole world.

Priya: Thank you baby.

Peehu: When can we go home? Where is Kush?

Priya is happy to hear the questions coming from her and laughs through her tears: Once you are strong enough to walk around and the doctor sees that everything is alright, he will send you home. Kush is at home and was very worried about you yesterday. He is a very good and brave brother. He made sure you were safe and got help for you when you fainted. I am sure he will be very happy to hear that you are alright. Do you want to see him?

Peehu nods her head. She begins to wriggle in her Mamma's lap and Priya is very happy to see that she is slowly getting her strength back. The doctor and the Psyc come in and are all smiles seeing the happiness radiating on Priya's face as she looks at Peehu so adoringly.

Psyc just smiles to herself and thinks: Why can't all mothers adore their children like this? Well, I guess, I will be out of a job if that happens. She looks at Peehu: Good morning Peehu, how are you doing today?

The doctor checks her heart, temperature and other vital signs and tells Priya that the early morning blood tests were just fine. Both the doctor and the Psyc exchange notes and Psyc turns to Peehu: So, when do you want to go home?

Peehu: Can I go home now?

Psyc: Maybe not just now, because I want you to be nice and strong and walk around a little before we send you home. If everything is alright and your doctor says you are well enough to go home then we will send you home later today. What would you like to eat for breakfast?

Peehu smiles and looks at her Mamma: My favorite is aloo parathas but, Mamma will make it for me when we go home. She promised me. She looks at her Mamma: Can I have toast with milk now?

The doctor nods and says she has no restrictions with food and can eat whatever she wants.

Psyc looks at her: Peehu, what are you going to do as soon as you go home?

Peehu: Eat aloo parathas made by Mamma and I will play with her too. If Kush can come home with Papa, then we can all play Candy land. I love playing with Kush; he is my brother you know.

Psyc: Ah I see. Do you want your Papa and Kush to visit you while you are here? Maybe they can bring the Candy land and you can play here.

Peehu: Okay fine. Mamma, will you call Papa and tell him to bring Kush with him. Please ask him to go to our house and bring my tooth brush. I want to brush my teeth.

Priya: Do you know that Papa and Kush stayed in our house last night. They slept on your bed baby.

Peehu: So will they live with us when we go back Mamma?

Priya: Maybe not all the time, because you know that Papa has another house. But I am sure he and Kush will want to spend a lot of time with you, so they will come home a lot. Are you happy?

Peehu: Yes Mamma, I am happy that I will be staying with you and I wish Papa and Kush can also stay with us.

Priya: You know your Dadi is Papa's Mamma and also Papa's Dadi lives with him, so he cannot leave them and come away right? So I guess he has to take care of them. But he will come and spend time with you and me darling.

Psyc is listening to her conversation and is happy that she is doing much better than she had expected. She asks her a few more questions and then tells Priya that everything seems to be fine and once she is back home and completely recovered she would like to see all of them at her office for counseling. Priya is relieved to hear that Peehu is doing well and the worst is over. Psyc also tells her to keep a close watch and see if she feels uncomfortable or uneasy in any one's presence

Priya: Baby shall we go and brush our teeth? Peehu nods and gets off the bed. Priya holds her hand and walks her slowly to the rest room and soon she is back in her bed and a lot more cheerful and happy.

Nuts, Sudhir and Shipra are the first visitors for the day and Peehu is loving all the affection she is getting from everyone. She has her breakfast and Priya gives her a rub down, combs her hair and she looks fresh as if nothing ever happened. She is cheerful and laughing and smiling all morning. After Nuts, Sudhir and Shipra leave, Ram and Kush come to visit her. Ram is a little apprehensive and a bit scared as he walks into the room.

Peehu: Good morning Papa, good morning Kush.

Ram Good morning Rockstar! How are you?

Peehu: I am fine Papa. Did you bring some board games for us to play?

Ram is so relieved to see that Peehu is not intimidated with his presence and holds her in his arms and gets emotional. Tears pour out of his eyes and Priya also tears up watching Papa and Peehu together. Kush is watching them and Priya goes up to him and picks him up and hugs him.

Priya: Kush, you are my hero! Thank you very much for being such a brave brother and taking care of Peehu. I am very proud of you. You are the best brother anyone can have.

Kush feels shy hearing so much praise. This is all new to him as his mother never bonded with him in this manner and he is enjoying the attention he is getting from Priya.

Ram is still holding on to Peehu and looks at her through his tears. Peehu immediately wipes his tears with her tiny fingers and kisses him on his cheek: I love you Papa, she says and Ram is just too taken up by her affection that he is speechless.

Ram: Rockstar, I am really sorry for not listening to you and causing so many problems. Please forgive me.

Peehu: It's okay Papa. Will you and Kush live with Mamma and me?

Ram doesn't know what to say to this. He just looks at her and is deep in thought.

Peehu: It's okay Papa, I know you have to take care of Dadi and Badi Dadi and we live in a small flat and there is not enough place for all of us to stay there. But I will be very happy to spend time with you, Mamma and Kush.

By the end of the day, Peehu is discharged and Ram, Priya and Kush take her to Priya's home. She is very happy and so is everyone. This was a big lesson for all of them and they realize how important it is to see and recognize the signs that are so obvious and not to take things lightly. As promised Priya makes aloo parathas for dinner and both Papa and Peehu say they are the best they have ever eaten.

Ram: Priya, you have outdone yourself. I have never eaten better aloo parathas before, even what you have made in the past has never been so tasty.

Kush: Papa, when are we going home? We have school tomorrow and my books and uniforms are all at home.

Peehu hears that question and slowly slinks beside Priya and holds her hand. Priya looks at her and she looks at Priya. Ram notices the exchange of glances and takes Peehu's hand in his.

Ram: Peehu, there is nothing to get worried about. Kush will stay here with you and I will go home and bring his and your school stuff back with me. I promise you Rockstar, you will never have to stay away from Mamma and for the time being, Kush will stay with you and I will also stay here with you. I just need to go home and bring some clothes back with me. There is nothing to be worried about.

Priya looks into Ram's eyes as he is talking with Peehu and her eyes start to fill up. She is a little sad that things did not go the way Ram would like it to, but is touched by his concern and adjustment for his daughter.

Ram leaves for KM and as he reaches there, Ayesha comes to his room and shoots out a whole bunch of questions.

Ayesha: Ram, why is everyone behaving so strange with me? No one tells me where Kush is and why am I not allowed to see him. I asked my mother and she said she didn't know where Kush was and no one is telling me anything. What is wrong?

Ram is so angry with Ayesha, but manages to calm himself before he talks to her: Where were you when I was trying to call you yesterday afternoon? Did you realize that Peehu and Kush did not come home from school in the car and that they were missing for over three hours? Did you even notice that I left messages on your phone and made many calls to you? Where were you Ayesha? In spite of all that you have done to ruin my life in the past, I still gave you the benefit of doubt when you said that you were doing your best to bond with your sister's daughter and that SHE had built a wall around her and was not letting you close to her. I went to the extent of shouting at your sister – MY Priya and telling her to back off from her life, her own daughter. How did I even think you have changed over the years? I have made such a big mistake all over again and this time I have realized and decided to take action. Firstly, family welfare are looking into this case and there is a court order that you have lost custody or even visiting rights of your own son. Kush will be going for counseling along with Peehu to repair the damage you made and that is not all Ayesha. I need you to leave KM by the end of the week and do not show your face anywhere near the children. The school will receive the court order by the end of tomorrow and I will talk to them personally when I drop off the children.

How dare you threaten my children and torture them mentally? How could you go to her class and tell her teacher that she wets her bed regularly and that too in front of the whole class? Anyway I take the blame entirely because I trusted a snake like you and actually expected you to treat Peehu as your own. It is totally my fault and now I am going to make amends for the wrongs I have done. I am not interested about what happens to you after tomorrow evening because you are also not allowed anywhere near Priya or her home which includes Sharma House which was anyway closed for you five years ago. I don't care about what you do with your life and where you go, Kush is in my custody and once the family welfare has done a thorough investigation, he will be legally adopted by Priya and me. So, get your act together and better hurry up and make alternate arrangements for yourself.

Ayesha: But, Ram don't forget we are married. You are my legally wedded husband and that doesn't change.

Ram laughs: What legal document are you talking about darling? It is not even fit to be used as toilet paper now. Priya is my legally wedded wife, she is alive and is still married to me. Your marriage to me has no standing of any sort anywhere. So dear Ayesha, don't even think about challenging this in court. I will make your life so miserable, like you did to my children and I can get you arrested any minute. Again keeping in mind that you are Priya's sister, I am giving you the option of finding somewhere for you to go. I am disgusted with you and do not want to EVER see you anywhere.

He says that and walks out of his room without even giving her a second glance. He calls for Soumya and tells her to pack the children's stuff so he can take it all back with him and tells KK that Ayesha will leave KM by the end of tomorrow and that is an order. He tells them that he is going to stay at Priya's for a few days till things are sorted out and then will decide what the next plan of action is. He goes to his room and packs a suitcase of clothes for himself and takes all the baggage and leaves for Priya's place.

When he reaches Priya's home, he sees Nuts playing with the children in the bedroom and sees Shipra and Sudhir in the living room. Priya is in the kitchen cleaning up and prepping for the next day. He goes to the living room and brief's them about the whole family welfare decision and everything that transpired at the hospital. They are given strict instructions not to allow Ayesha to come even remotely close to Kush or Peehu and he is to be informed if that happened. He explains the seriousness of the situation and tells them that Ayesha will be leaving KM by the end of tomorrow.

Ram: Papaji, can I take Priya to your house for a little while. I need to talk to her and I don't want Peehu to be around when we are talking. We will be back soon. He calls Priya and both of them go to the bedroom where the children are playing with Nuts.

Ram: Peehu darling, I need a favor from you.

Peehu: What do you want Papa?

Ram: I need to discuss something very important with Mamma, can I go with her to Nanu's house and talk to her? We will be back real soon. Is that okay with you?

Peehu thinks about it for a second: Please come back soon Papa. Are we going to stay here only?

Ram puts his arms around Peehu: Yes Rockstar, we are all going to stay here tonight and for a few days till we make some decisions. I will NEVER separate you from your Mamma. I promise.

Peehu gives him a kiss: I love you Papa, you are the best. On second thoughts she adds: But Mamma is the world's best and she smiles.

Ram smiles at her: I know, she is the world's best everything – mother, daughter, wife, everything. He doesn't make eye contact with Priya and she also notices that he has been very quiet and not talked with her after they got back. Both of them go to Sharma house and he closes the door behind them. He looks down at the floor, looks at the furniture, sits down on the couch, gets up and walks to the fridge and gets a drink of water and is generally pacing around the room. Priya understands what is going on. She walks up and stops him.

Priya: Ram, look at me (Ram looks up at her and she sees the tears). She takes his face in her hands and looks deep into his eyes and shakes her head from side to side. I have been noticing all day that you have been avoiding me. I know what is troubling you. Please don't blame yourself for all that happened the past couple of weeks. I am happy the whole nightmare is behind us and we can move on now. It was not your fault.

Ram cannot take it any more. He begins to weep and falls on his knees: Priya I have failed you again. I do not deserve you. The only punishment I can give myself is to go away from you and live alone. I am ashamed of myself and there is no reason for you to forgive me any more. Every time you try to do the best for me and I let you down very badly. I did it in the past and I did it again now. I am sorry Priya, really sorry.

Priya bends down and holds his shoulders: Ram, please get up. I cannot talk to you like this. He gets up and she looks into his eyes and he immediately shifts his gaze. He is unable to look her in the eye. Priya takes his face in her hands again and makes him look into her eyes: Ram, I love you and by going away from me you are not punishing yourself, why do you want to punish me further. You know you are my life and how can I live without my life? I am ready to move on now and I want a companion who will be by my side for the rest of my life, who will grow old with me and live with me through thick and thin. Are you willing to be that companion? I know the road is going to be rough and we are going to have a bumpy ride, but it is all worth it only if you are by my side. Are you with me on this journey? I can't do it without you.

Ram and Priya hug and are lost in each other. This is such a mismatched couple who never see eye to eye but cannot live without each other. They have their fights, they have their differences yet, the love they have for each other is so strong and deep that they are inseparable. Ram, Priya, Peehu and Kush live happily ever after.

The End

Loved both the parts!!!