Sideways FF - CB II - Part 18, pg.48 - Page 33

Originally posted by: why3

Originally posted by: radhika5

Hi Angie

You have taken so many unresolved issues from CB1 and given it your own unique treatment.

There are so many intricate details that I miss some of them when I first read the FF--

Thanks for your efforts---

Thanks, Radhika. I am trying to link various events and hopefully the resolution would be satisfactory for the readers. The only thing I am not sure is what would be the appropriate punishment for Amma.

Originally posted by: Ansa786

Why3, caught up with your latest update ealier but was unable to reply. I too liked how Radhika's pain and suffering was brought out. You are right that it is not in Radhika's nature to complain about things and the DVD was a good and logical way to bring it out to Dev. I am liking Imarti day by day. 👏😃. Kaam needs to stay a true friend to Radhika.

Originally posted by: laxmis

Why3, haven't seen you on the forum for a while. Welcome back. I just finished reading your update. It was a pleasure to read. I agree with Ansa that this was the only way Radhika's feelings will be brought out . I can't wait to read how Dev is going to react to this. With this kind of story line CB could have run another 6 months at least. Kudos to your imagination and writing skills.

Originally posted by: abhilasha_dream

why3 u caught me completely unguarded.. I thought tht dev is shattered as he came to knw the real truth of KaamDev bt dis was really unpredicted... Keep ROCKNG MAN !!

Part 17: Dev & Dadima reconnect

Dev sat in his study feeling miserable for a long time. After a while Dev became aware of the time and realized that Radhika may come looking for him in the study as it was close to dinner time. He called Birju on his cell phone and instructed him to inform Radhika that he was going out for some work and was going to be late. Since he knew about Radhika's habit of not eating without him, he told Birju to tell Radhika to have her dinner and go to bed as he would be eating out and coming late.

After a while, he went out to his favorite jhula in the garden where he sat thinking about the past events that had altered his life and to figure out his next course of actions. Eventually, he came to a resolution, but decided to talk to Dadima first to get her opinion. Not only was she the best person to understand his mental state and give him good advice, but also would give answers to his questions. He knew he wasn't in danger of running into Radhika as this was usually a quiet time for Dadima where she did her bedtime reading. In any case, Radhika would be in their room waiting for him to come back from work.

Dadima was sitting on her bed reading a book when Dev entered her room. She took one look at him and extended her arms. Dev closed the door, sat on the bed and laid his head in her lap. She massaged his head silently for a while. Finally he spoke, "Dadima, please help me '' I am losing Radhika."

Dadima looked at him with a smile and said, "Dev, you don't need my help. After what she has done for you, I don't think she needs to prove to anyone or you the extent of her love for you'..In fact, now you should be even more closer because you are starting a family''.Where is this doubt coming from?"

Dev, "Dadima'. I know that Radhika loves me intensely. I also know that she would never allow anyone to come between us anymore'.She and I are now 'physically very close, but are we emotionally?"

Dadima, "Dev, I am not sure I understand. I know there was a time when she chose her other relations over you 'But, now she would never give you up. She has changed a lot in last five years."

Dev said in anguish, "Dadima'I am not worried about that anymore'.I am talking about her trust in me'.I am the only one'she has trusted in her entire life'and I broke that trust when I came back here after five years and brought that family at PB'.it has created an emotional wall between us'She has stopped trusting me and 'is now confiding in another guy."

Dadima was surprised at this, "Dev..another guy'you mean Kaam?"

She then decided that it must be again linked to Dev's usual jealousy of Kaam and said, "Dev..you are being silly'Kaam and Radhika know each other from childhood and they are just friends'it is possible that Kaam probably had feelings for her in the past, but he is more than likely over them now and is just protective of Radhika'maybe Radhika confided to him as a friend'sometimes it is easier to talk to your friends than family."

Dev disagreed with Dadi and then decided to give her a brief summary of all the events starting from Imarti deal with him and Radhika giving a glimpse of her sufferings to Kaam. Dadima was amazed to hear about Imarti's ambition and resourcefulness. So far she had thought of Imarti as a good choice for Vivek especially because her actions had cured him and finally got him out of his self-pity phase. But, she hadn't paid much attention to their individualities and now she started to wonder if Imarti and Vivek were indeed compatible. She decided to give it a deeper thought at a later time and for now concentrated on Dev who was still talking about breaking Radhika's heart with his actions.

"Dadima, it is not like Radhika talked to Kaam about us a lot'but she was always so quiet and never trusted anyone other than Kanha before meeting me'she slowly transferred that trust to me' and now she is keeping things to herself again..we talk a lot about so many topics including our child and future, but'..we never talk about our past'Now that I think about it, Radhika actually changes the subject whenever it comes to any talk about the past five years."

Dadima was really pleased that her old considerate Dev was coming out. He had been her favorite from the beginning and she had always expected highest standards from him. Even though she had tried to make excuses, he had disappointed her deeply with his actions in that one month when he had brought that Yaduvanshi family into their lives.

"Dev, I know that you lost your memory and then spent those five years with that unscrupulous family who had their own agenda'A lot of your actions were a result of that'.But, I won't deny that seeing you like that hurt me..however, you are acknowledging your mistakes'so that is a big deal for me."

Dev said in an anguished voice, "Dadima, I know I wronged you and other family members too and I never apologized for anything'but today I want to explain everything to you."

Dadima shook her head, "Dev'you don't owe me any explanations'you owe them to Radhika. She was the one who suffered the most. You brought another woman in your bedroom, but you didn't bring another Dadi, brother or mother to this house. Yes' it pained me when you gave Katyani so much respect, but I knew it was temporary and that you would return to us once you come back to your senses. But, I was hurt that Radhika's rights were once again taken from her and this time you were the one."

Dev looked at Dadima and said, "Dadima, it has taken me a while, but I have finally come to term about my past. Actually, subconsciously I have been thinking about it for a long time, but was not ready to do anything about it yet. Now, I want to tell you everything and get your advice. I want to regain Radhika's old trust in me. I also don't want anybody else taking advantage of her."

Dev turned a little sour when he thought about Kaam trying to criticize him subtly to Radhika. This guy was more cunning than even Dev had realized. Suddenly Dev was muttering resentfully, "Dadima, I do mind that Kaam was trying to interfere in our relationship'I don't trust that guy at all'I don't understand why everyone likes that man so much'it is not as if we have not been deceived by such people before'Sometimes Radhika can be so nave like the way she was about Vishaka and Shantanu'I need to protect her from such people and I cannot do that if she does not trust me."

Dadima smiled inwardly at Dev's apparent jealousy of Kaam, but decided to ignore it for she was convinced that having Kaam living with them had been really fruitful. For now, she turned his attention towards his plans. Dev talked to Dadima for a long time and she was hugely impressed with Dev's decision. She said, "Dev'I cannot tell you how happy I am to get back my old grandson. You know, it is not only your actions that I have pondered in last few months. I have thought about all our past actions too. Though I have always loved Radhika, I too wronged her."

Dev looked grave and said, "Dadima, I know that Radhika went through torture after my accident. Please tell me everything that happened in detail."

Dev started getting angry as Dadi told him everything from the beginning starting from Radhika's belief about him being alive, Radhika being locked by Amma in her room when she protested about his cremation plans, how his cremation never happened due to Radhika's prayers and then everything Mahant and Amma did to Radhika.

Dev asked her in angry voice, "Dadima, I always knew that Amma was an evil witch. How could you allow that Amma to come to our house after what she did during the first wedding? She always enjoyed torturing Radhika and she got a perfect opportunity with that Mahant. He always had this resentment for Radhika. First, he asked me to give up Radhika despite the fact Vishaka ran away. Then, he forced me to make poison for her and gave her that inhumane punishment. Finally, those rituals and my Radhika had to endure so much."

He suddenly realized he was yelling and continued in a relatively calmer voice, "How could Babuji bring her back to our house and then allow her to torture Radhika? But, then he always ignored her faults and punished others.. But, my own family especially my progressive dadima, 'how could you of all people do that to Radhika?.. I thought you loved her a lot."

Dadima looked ashamed and acknowledged, "Dev, I regret so much about what I allowed to happen..I don't have an excuse. I just never realized how much I relied on you. When you were gone, I felt so weak as if my entire strength was gone...Even though I hated what they were doing to Radhika, I just did not have any courage left to protest..It felt as if we all including Radhika had to suffer endlessly for the rest of our lives...

It was only after we saw Radhika's courage when she hit her head against the wall repeatedly to fill her maang with sindoor or when she challenged all those so called religious people by picking up that knife that we got some of our old courage back and asked Mahant to leave her alone."

Dadima paused to take a sip of water and then continued, "Dev, but I was not talking about that when I said I wronged Radhika. I was talking about other times.

I guess once you start tolerating injustice, you lose your moral standing and maybe that's why I became so weak after your accident. It is not as if I had not shown any weakness earlier. Even though I thought of her as a grand-daughter almost from the very beginning, I loved you more. So, when it came to choose between you and her, I always chose you even if it meant doing injustice to Radhika." Dadima said reflectively.

Dev looked at Dadima with surprise as he didn't understand her context. He and Radhika had always loved each other so much and so there had never been incident when he has asked Dadima to favor him over Radhika.

Dadi explained, "Dev, do you remember that mehndi ceremony when I insulted Vishaka publicly and threw her out of the house. That was not because she had dumped you and ran away to Mumbai. Even though I didn't approve of what she did, later on I was happy that she released you from an unhappy bond. I threw her out because of not only what she did to Radhika, but also to atone for my behavior.

You already know that Radhika was always my first choice for your wife. But, I didn't ask her to stay back at PB for that reason that first time. By that time, I had started to realize Vishaka's shortcomings. Radhika was fulfilling all Rajpurohitain duties with Vishaka getting accolades. Radhika was the one who had cooked that entire meal after RP puja, but Amma gave Vishaka the credit. That's when I started getting inkling about Radhika's treatment in Shastri house.

Even then, I asked Shastriji to allow Radhika to stay back mainly because I wanted her to teach Vishaka to become responsible and eventually a proper Rajpurohitain. Since I thought you had chosen Vishaka, I did not want you to be disappointed. So, I used Radhika in a way.

I did not even protest when Vishaka gave Radhika that storeroom to stay. Even though Radhika stated that it was her choice, I knew through Birju that Vishaka had done it. I didn't say anything because I did not want you to have negative feelings about Vishaka. I forgot the basic rules of respecting guests and instead used an excuse that I should not interfere in a personal matter of two sisters. Again, I did not want you to get disappointed with your choice of a wife.

And then when Mrinalini humiliated Radhika in Purab's case, I kept silent. I knew that Radhika was taking blame for Vishaka, but I chose Vishaka because I thought she was your love. That's why when Vishaka persuaded us to lie to you about that incident, I agreed readily. I did not want to see you getting disillusioned with Vishaka. Later on we were ready to accept Vishaka even though she had run away from home whereas we had humiliated Radhika for her supposed "immoral" behavior."

Dev was silent hearing all this. He remembered how angry and betrayed he had felt after finding his family throwing out Radhika in the middle of the night. It was always Radhika who had paid for others' selfishness.

Dadi continued, "When the truth about Vishaka came out, I chose not to believe Radhika over a liar like Vishaka and asked her for proofs. Now I realize that it was because I was feeling guilty. I was the one who insisted that you should not see your bride's face. So, it was convenient for me to believe that Radhika was lying to protect all of us. I chose to rely on testimony of two women who had taken Radhika's rights rather than believing in Radhika. No wonder Radhika hid that truth from all of us for such a long time. We had never given her the reason to trust us. You were the only one who believed her. I forgot that despite her maturity, Radhika was just a nineteen year old adopted girl from a family that had always snatched her rights. I myself had made so many mistakes, yet expected her to be perfect. At least, you are acknowledging your mistakes and making amends for that. But I have also let her down at so many crucial times."

Dev was moved by Dadima's remorse and could not bear to see her feeling so guilty, "Dadima, it is enough that you have realized your mistakes. You have always loved Radhika a lot and that is enough for both of us. Radhika loves you a lot and does not even think of these incidents. You have given her a love of grandmother that she never got at her parents place. I want to put everything behind us. Now that we are all together again, it is important that we acknowledge our mistakes and then move forward."

Dadima smiled as she felt much lighter after her admission. Dev also felt at peace with himself after his talk with Dadima and decided to go back to his room. He found Radhika sleeping on the couch where she had apparently waited for him to return. He picked her up and put her on the bed quite gently so as not to wake her up. He promised her silently that he would never ever let anybody do injustice to again and that he would make up for his past mistakes.

Radhika, Dev and Kaam ' The confrontation that did not materialize

Radhika woke up at her usual Brahm muhrat time and found Dev still sleeping. As was her way, she quietly went to the bathroom and did not wake him up even after getting ready. She was feeling a little concerned because Dev had never come so late without informing her personally. She had tried to stay awake to wait for Dev but had felt so drained after her morning conversation with Kaam that she had fallen asleep.

She looked at Dev's sleeping figure and was somewhat assured to see him sleeping peacefully. She did not try to wake him up as he was again going to work long hours that day. Radhika went down for her puja and eventually offered Prasad to everyone except Dev who hadn't shown up. As was her practice, she spent some time with Dadima and Vaishali for a while and then went upstairs to look for Dev. She was disappointed to see that he had finally gotten up and was in the bathroom. She started to have a feeling that Dev was intentionally avoiding her. She had to go down for to oversee breakfast preparations and decided to wait after the breakfast to talk to Dev.

While she was at the table setting up various dishes, Imarti showed up. Imarti was curious to know if something had happened the other day and she hadn't run into Dev yet. So, she decided to find out from Radhika if Dev had given any hints to Radhika about Imarti recording Kaam or him kicking out Kaam. Radhika was surprised to see Imarti as Imarti usually avoided housework like plague, "Imarti, what are you doing here so early?"

Imarti replied, "Radhika, I thought I would help you in setting up the table as you are doing so much work in your condition. Previously, at least I used to help you with puja stuff but ever since Dadima relaxed her rule for puja time, you have been doing that too regularly."

Radhika was really happy to see Imarti's "caring" nature as nothing pleased her more than seeing her sister making an effort to be a good future PF DIL. So, she beamed and started asking her to bring Dev's favorite methi paranthas from the kitchen that she had just finished cooking along with the fresh mixed fruit juice that she had asked Urmi to prepare for him. Imarti made a face at Radhika while Radhika was busy arranging the breakfast dishes. Imarti was really possessive about Radhika and sometimes would get jealous of Radhika's partiality towards Dev in preparing his favorite foods and drinks. So, she resentfully went to the kitchen and then took several sips of juice from Dev's glass in revenge because Radhika hadn't cooked her favorite food in days.

After making two rounds of the kitchen, Imarti was bored with the work and decided to come to the point, "Radhika, I didn't see Dev at dinner yesterday night and he hasn't come down so far. Is he still sleeping?" Radhika replied, "He has woken up and is getting ready. He came really late in the night and didn't wake me up. I hope everything is fine."

Imarti wondered if there was something more on the DVD than she had anticipated, "Radhika, I am sure everything is fine, otherwise he would have let you know. Maybe he had late meetings with his employees on some work related to mutts. Talking about meetings, how did yours go with Kaam? Was there something important he wanted to discuss with you? Even he didn't come for dinner."

Radhika looked at Imarti's face carefully and then said flatly, "Kaam skipped the dinner because he had to meet with some people regarding the music studio he wants to start here." Imarti realized that Radhika had not answered her question. She decided that Kaam must have really upset Radhika with his expressions of obsessive love.

She saw Kaam coming for breakfast and decided to wait for the drama to enfold. Imarti was surprised to see Kaam greeting Radhika without any remorse. Radhika looked at him for a moment and then smiled back at him. Kaam was happy to see Radhika's smile as he been scared that Radhika would be angry at him. After a while, everyone including Dev came down for breakfast. Dev looked at Radhika and asked her about her health. Then, he just sat on his regular chair.

Usually, Radhika and Vaishali would sit on his either side, but that day Imarti decided to occupy the chair next to Dev. When Vaishali looked at her in surprise, Imarti responded that she wanted to sit next to her favorite jijaji that day as she had missed him so much the previous night at dinner time. Since everyone was familiar with Dev and Imarti's "foes and friends" relationship, Vaishali just smiled indulgently at her.

Imarti waited for bated breath to see if Dev would be making any announcement soon. But, Dev seemed to be avoiding Kaam as he wasn't even looking in his direction. He was silently eating his breakfast. She tried to catch Dev's attention by elbowing him and then kicking him under the table, but Dev ignored her and just moved his chair a little away from her and more towards Radhika.

The conversation veered to topics relating to trust and muth work. After a while Kaam said, "Dadima, I wanted to tell you good news that I have already shared with Radhika. I am going to Mumbai today for several days for some recording work and to get my financial papers in order. I will be an owner of a new house as soon as I come back."

Everyone with the exception of Dev and Imarti congratulated him and asked him details about the house. Kaam told them it was only few blocks from PB and had belonged to an old lady who had died recently. As all her children either lived abroad or in other cities, they had decided to sell the house. Then, he said, "Dadima, I want to thank you and other family members for allowing me to stay here while I looked for the house. I would be soon moving to the new house after I come back."

Imarti decided that Kaam must have told this to Radhika the previous day and that's why Dev is not kicking him out yet. Vivek already knew about the property and said, "Kaam, that place has good structure but it is quite old." Kaam agreed and said, "I am planning to keep the exterior but will be renovating the entire interior."

Vaishali asked, "If you are planning to move there immediately, how will you renovate the whole place?"

Kaam looked at her and said, "I am planning to renovate in parts. I want to first renovate the master bedroom for my parents on the ground floor and a guestroom. I will stay in another wing and then move to the guestroom while the remaining parts of the house are renovated."

Dadima said firmly, "Kaam, what is this nonsense about moving to your new house? Until that place is renovated completely, you are staying at PB."

Dev looked up at this as he was looking forward to Kaam moving out from his house. But, Vaishali and Vivek were also endorsing Dadima's suggestion and Radhika looked happy at the prospect of Kaam staying for a longer time in their house. So, he decided to keep quiet for some time until he sorted out things with Radhika. Imarti was incredulous at Dev's silence and blurted out, "So, NaKa... I mean..Kaam, how long will the renovation take place?"

Kaam answered, "Imarti, if everything goes according to the plan, it should not take more than six months. I have already signed up an architect and an interior designer. They will provide me with various designs once I come back. Once my ma approves of everything, they can start the work. I am buying this house for my parents and so it is proper that they approve of everything. My ma is everything to me and I want to give her the best house possible.

Radhika'I was hoping that you could help me. You know ma so well and are probably the best person to figure out what she would like. She is not comfortable with talking to these young designers."

Both Dev and Imarti disliked the idea and Dev interrupted abruptly, "Kaam, it is not possible for Radhika to do that as she is busy with Mrs. RP work and taking care of PB. Also, she is pregnant with my baby and I don't want her to get tired. Take Imarti's and ma's help instead."

Vaishali liked Dev's suggestion but Imarti and Kaam did not care for it. However, before they could protest, Vaishali agreed swiftly as she had quite a talent for interior designing and liked doing such projects. Kaam decided to let it go for the time being, but warned Vaishali, "Aunty, my ma's tastes are simple and not sophisticated like yours. She may not say anything to you out of politeness but I prefer that Radhika talk to her before deciding anything.

Vaishali was for some inexplicable reason bothered to hear Kaam calling her aunty. She remembered that Kaam had called her "maaji" in Agra, but had switched to either not calling her anything or calling her aunty once in a while in Delhi. Though he was always polite towards her and even showed concern when she was not feeling well, he was detached towards her and was more friendly with Dadima. Vaishali had liked Kaam from the beginning as his looks and fame had immediately endeared him to her. He had reciprocated warmly in Agra too, but seemed to be closer to Vivek and Dadima after coming back to Delhi.

Vaishali sighed internally that she was and never had been any match for Dadima's charisma. Since she herself was so fond of her maaji and respected her immensely, it had rarely bothered her except when Dadima had aligned with Dev during his wedding with Radhika. In any case, Dadima had been proved right in her choice of Radhika over Vishaka and so Vaishali did not question her anymore.

The conversation then veered towards some general topics. Suddenly, Vaishali spoke, "Maaji, it has been such a long time since we had a party in our house. I was hoping to have one to introduce Kaam to all my friends. We had that one small party for Radhika's one month pregnant. But, even then we didn't invite too many people."

Dadima also loved parties and PF was famous for hosting good parties. So, she said, "That is true. Now, Vivek and Mrinalini's final divorce papers haven't yet come. So, we cannot even have an engagement party. "

Both Imarti and Vivek were secretly happy about that, but did not reveal their thoughts. Radhika and Vaishali were the only two people who were eager to have an engagement soon. Dadima suddenly exclaimed, "You know Radhika and Dev's wedding anniversary is coming soon. They have never celebrated due to all the past circumstances. Why don't we throw them an anniversary party?"

Vaishali also beamed happily, "Yes, actually it would be their seven year anniversary in few weeks if we count from the first wedding. So, it is a special occasion and should be celebrated."

Suddenly, Radhika interrupted abruptly, "Dadima'.maaji. I would rather not have a party as I feel uncomfortable about celebrating it now while I am expecting a baby. I will have a godbharai (baby shower) anyway in few months."

Dev looked at Radhika and even though others bought her explanation, he figured out the reason for her reluctance in celebrating their anniversary publicly. He had publicly rejected Radhika as his wife despite her pleadings in that fake anniversary that Katyani had arranged for him and Kanika. The memory of that day brought back a lot of pain for him.

He decided to support her and said, "Dadima, Radhika is right. We have had so many weddings that I am not even sure which anniversary to celebrate. I am just thankful that we are both married and now living together. I like to celebrate every day of my life with Radhika and not just one particular day. Why don't we have a birthday party instead?"

Dadima said, "Well, the earliest birthday is mine and that is few months away. Maybe this time we should celebrate Kaam's birthday. Kaam, is your birthday anytime soon?"

Kaam replied, "Dadima, my birthday is quite far right now. It is going to be in mid April."

Radhika asked, "Kaam, I seem to remember that your birthday used to be in March. Your ma used to cook such delicious food and would invite me every year."

Dev was not pleased to see Radhika remembering Kaam's birthday so fondly. Kaam said, "Radhika, you remember my birthdate even after so many years. Dadima, my birthday using the English calendar is actually in March, but ma always used the Hindu calendar for the actual celebration. So, I will be celebrating it on April 12^th this year."

Dadima asked, "April 12^th. That is Ramnavmi?"

Kaam looked at Vaishali deliberately, "Dadima, thirty three years ago I was born on Ramnavmi just after midnight. My mother considers that a very auspicious day. So, she always holds my celebration on that day only."

The PF members were quiet as they remembered that Shantanu was born exactly on the same day as Kaam. Dev wondered if there was anything special about that day that all Radhika's psycho admirers were born that day. Vaishali thought wistfully that why couldn't Shantanu turn out to be normal like Kaam.

Kaam asked, "Dadima, have I said something as everyone has become very quiet suddenly."

Dadima looked at him and said gently, "Kaam, Shantanu was born on Ramnavmi and that's why we have stopped celebrating that day. But, I think we were wrong. No day is inauspicious and it is just what we do on those days that make it auspicious or inauspicious."

Kaam looked at Vaishali and said, "I am sorry that the mention of my birthday brings back bad memories for you. It is just that my mother always gets very excited on that day as she believes that Ramnavmi brought a "Kul-chirag" in her life. Obviously, she tends to exaggerate, but that is her favorite word for me."

Kaam had mentioned this calculatedly to Vaishali as he was still smarting from being considered a "Kulvinashak" by Vaishali. Vaishali on the other hand was feeling jealous of Kaam's mother as he was always praising his mother in front of her. Also, her son born in the same muhurat on the same day had turned out to be starkly different from her "Kulvinashak" son Shantanu.

None of her own sons including her favorite Dev had ever praised her like this. Ever since Radhika had come in his life, his attention had been solely focused on her. Vaishali didn't resent Radhika anymore and had become quite close to her in last few years. But, still Dev's preference for Radhika's cooking and his constant praise of hers did sometimes pinch her subconsciously. She brightened up thinking that Kaam would probably change too once he gets married forgetting conveniently that even before marriage, Dev was closer to his Dadima than his own mother.

Meanwhile, Dadima decided to change the topic and said, "Vaishali, why do we need an occasion to throw a party? We used to host so many for no reason at all. Now, we can throw one to introduce two new family members. Imarti is going to be a DIL of this family and Kaam is like a family to us. He made relations with us when very few of our relatives were willing to do so. Now after living here for so many months, he has become like a surrogate grandson."

Vaishali protested, "Maaji, Vivek and Imarti are not yet getting formally engaged as Dev wants us to wait until the final divorce papers come. So, how do we introduce Imarti at a party?"

"Vaishali'Imarti is Radhika's sister and she has become a family member. All of us have become quite fond of her and I would have no problem keeping her in this house even if she was not marrying Vivek."

Both Vivek and Imarti were vastly happy to hear that. Vivek had slowly started to fall for Tara, but had been ignoring his feelings. That's why the delay in divorce papers had been like a boon to him. He was by nature a non-confrontational person and had always avoided disappointing his family.

Radhika and Dev were also happy with their family's acceptance of Imarti. Dev endorsed Dadima's idea and finally stood up to leave for the office. He told Radhika that he would come early as he wanted to spend some time with her. Radhika was happy to hear that and decided to wait until the evening to question Dev.

Dev came back early from work and was happy to see that Kaam had left for Mumbai. He was eager to share his plans with Radhika. But, before he could go upstairs and surprise Radhika, Imarti came running and called him, "Dev'.jiju'stop."

Dev sighed and turned to face Imarti whose language was rapidly become more modern. He wondered how could two sisters especially twins be that different. Radhika still spoke in pure chaste Hindi after living in Delhi for so long whereas Imarti had changed drastically after just three months.

"Imarti, what is it? I have to go upstairs to meet with Radhika", Dev said impatiently.

"Dev, how come you didn't throw out Kaam this morning? Are you waiting for him to come back or did the DVD turn out to be unhelpful?"

Dev looked at her and said, "Imarti, the DVD was helpful, but there was nothing in the DVD that gave me a reason to throw out Kaam. I guess he just wanted Radhika to be the first one to know about his new house and also wanted to make sure that Radhika was happy in this house."

Imarti anger towards Kaam evaporated once she realized that he was not making a pass at Radhika. But, then she got worried about her own business prospects and asked Dev, "Does that mean you won't help finance our investigative business?"

Dev smiled at that and said, "Of course not. I never go back on my word. Anyway, you did a good job with DVD. Even though Kaam did not reveal much, he did mention that there was a reason for him to continue to stay here for so long. I still don't trust him completely. Keep an eye on him and see if you can find anything else on him. But, don't record him and Radhika in future and don't let Radhika meet with him alone again especially in a closed room."

Imarti was relieved that Dev would still finance their business and decided to push her luck, "Uh'Dev...there is one more thing I wanted to ask you. Birju Bhaiya and I have already thought of a name for our agency. We are going to call it "IB Investigation and Detective Agency." But, we need an office. The rents in Delhi are so high that we don't want to spend our initial capital on it as we need to buy a lot of sophisticated equipment. '.so we were wondering'if you could'allow us to have one room in PB."

Dev refused it out rightly, "No. That is completely out of question. First of all, nobody knows about this hare-brained idea of yours. Vivek Bhaiya and ma would totally dislike your involvement in something like this. I am helping you against my good judgment. On top of it, they would get mad at me if I allow you to start an office in our house."

Imarti started her usual arguments, "That is not fair. You have a home office where you bring outside work and are allowed to do things related to your career. How come other people having careers are not allowed to do that? I am not even asking about the rooms in the main area. We can make do with that room on terrace that is always filled with junk. I and Birju bhaiya will clean it and we may not even have to buy any furniture'.this house has so much of it."

Dev was flabbergasted to hear Imarti's plan and refused her the room on terrace. He has been treating terrace as his personal property. Most of his family rarely went to the roof top as it was on the third floor. It was used by servants during the daytime, but Dev and Radhika had been using it for months during the night. It had become Dev's favorite place ever since he celebrated his second SR there. So, after getting rid of Kanika he was using it once every week for his rendezvous with Radhika. Their bed was stored in that terrace room that Imarti had demanded. So, Dev was in no mood to give her the use of any part of that terrace.

"Imarti, there is no way I can give you that terrace room as all the entrances to the terrace are private. At most, you can take a room on the first floor which has a direct door to the side of a house. That too I will only allow for few months until either you close your business or become successful enough to pay outside rent. Even then, don't bring any of your future clients in the house."

Imarti had known about terrace use from Radhika and hence used it to get Dev to agree to her demand for a home office. She and Birju had already decided that the storeroom was the best place to set up their temporary office. Birju had shown her an entrance from the back of the house that Vishaka had used once to run away from PB.

She decided to keep the idea of storeroom from Dev for now and present it as a fait-accompli at a last minute. Her experience had taught her to wait for the right opportunity in asking Dev for anything related to her career. So, she promised to look for a room that would not inconvenience anybody.

Dev was finally happy to get rid of Imarti and went upstairs to meet with Radhika before anybody else could interrupt him.

Precap: Dev and Radhika confront Dev's past.