Ardhika FF (w/ NeSam)- Missing Pieces -Updated Act 11, Pg 32, 18/11 - Page 6

Act 4 - Truth & Revelation

Scene 1

Radhika sat on her bed with her feet curled, staring into space. Each time she tried to close her eyes, every memory shared with Arjun-Sir came rushing back, leaving her restless. This was all she had left - only memories. What was it about Arjun-Sir that always drew her to him? Why was he always there to help her, save her?! Why did he help her family after the Rishikesh fire? Why did he save her from Saral? Why did he protect her honor? ... And why can't she stop thinking about him?! Sigh...

She had fallen in love with the gentle man under that stone cold facade. Her mind kept replaying the events of night before. Arjun-Sir had the kindest heart and he truly deserved everything good in life. Perhaps Sam will be able to fill that void in his life. How she wished it was otherwise, but as Radhika knew there were always two sides to a coin. There was no point in figuring out what Arjun-Sir felt for her, as he belonged with Sam only. She could never compete with the league of her friend, and neither could she betray their relation by claiming her love.

It was best to completely close that chapter in her life. Radhika put her phone on silent, keeping it in the drawer, and decided to take up the pen-paper lying on her bedside table. Perhaps it was time to clear her thoughts and piece some words together.

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Scene 2

The day had passed by quickly. Neil had called Chashni a few times, but she wasn't answering any of his calls. They hadn't dared to call her home in Rishikesh yet as it might make the situation worse. Sam had gotten a message from Arjun that he would be meeting them at Bird Song office later in the evening, after business hours. That didn't sound good at all.

"Mom, Pa what are you guys doing here?" asked Sam as they entered Arjun's cabin.

"Arjun asked us to meet him here... What is going on?!" Piyali replied in a confused tone.

Sam shrugged her shoulders and noticed Samrat's worried stance. "Pa, is everything ok?"

Before Samrat could respond, a disheveled looking Arjun entered his office where Neil, Sam, Piyali, and Samrat waited for him anxiously. It was a stark contrast to the usual put-together persona they were used to seeing. Noticing everyone's gaze on him, Arjun slowly walked past them and sat down on his chair. Last time he sat here, his eyes had kept searching for Radhika in her cabin. He calmly motioned for all to take a seat.

"Where is Chashni?" asked Neil leaning against the glass door not complying with Arjun's request.

"Arjun, what is happening? Why have you called us all here?" asked Piyali with a frown.

"I didn't ask him...", he signaled to Neil.

"He stays" Sam said promptly.

"Can we please kill the suspense?!" This time Piyali was stern as the bizarre pleasantries were trying her patience.

Arjun simply nodded as he took a couple moments to collect his thoughts. Though he was good with marketing lines and slogans, confessing his wrongs and speaking the truth wasn't as simple. He gently touched his wedding ring, taking in a deep breath, and looked directly at Sam. "Radhika never lied to you" he said. "She never lied to you or anyone for that matter. Everything she told you guys about me, my secrets and Nandini-di was all true."

He looked at Samrat with a cold glare, and continued "I came here, to Bird Song, only for revenge. Nandu was my life - she was my only family; all I knew was the people who gave her so much pain and misery should suffer the same anguish. I wanted to destroy everything that destroyed my sister's life."

Piyali interrupted Arjun "What do you mean?! Why would we ever destroy Nandini's life?"

Turning his gaze to Piyali, "That is not my truth to tell," he stated in a calm manner.

"What do you mean not your truth'? I want to know why you were so hell bent on destroying my family?!"

Ignoring the angered questions directed at him, Arjun looked at Sam earnestly and said "I never loved you, Sam. Everything was an act, a lie - all our encounters and meetings were a set up. Nandini-di wanted you to suffer as she did; I was just her pawn in this game of revenge."

Neil moved closer to Sam and gently squeezed her shoulder for support. He was observing everyone, and while he did not trust Arjun, there seemed to be certain honesty in his mannerism that was hard to ignore. Further, considering Samrat's deafening silence and worried expression, he knew something was definitely amiss.

"Sometimes we are so blinded by our idea of love, trust and loyalty that we can't see the truth even if it is right in front of us", continued Arjun. "My apology will fall short considering all the trouble I have put you through... but, I know now that nothing good ever comes out of hurting others. It only ruins the lives of people you care about the most. I know I cannot take back all the bad I have done in my life... but..."

"Please Arjun..." Piyali cut him off not wanting to hear another word, "Just leave this office... now!"

Arjun stood from his chair, slowly, to take leave. His hands clasped together, as he held on to his wedding ring tenderly. Glancing at Sam, he spoke "I lost everything this morning... the reason to meet you all here was not to clear my conscience, but to keep my promise to Radhika. She valued your friendship more than her life and never betrayed you in any way. Sam, every time you taunted or insulted her, hurt her more deeply than any physical wound. Radhika only married me to protect you - to protect you from all my hatred and anger. And when I finally realized the truth, she left, asking in return only a promise to set things right, and to make sure you get all the love and happiness this life has to offer. I just... I am trying to be the man Radhika trusts and knows me to be. I am sorry."

With those words, Arjun walked out of his office, a slight weight off his chest.

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Scene 3

There was a commotion in the Mishra living room, where no one could stop talking about Radhika and Arjun. It was best for their daughter to be in her room away from all the noise, as they knew she wouldn't react well to their meddling.

"It's all Arjun's fault... and that city girl, Sam's. I never liked her first instance I met her. She must have said something hurtful to Choti. These city people think relations are made to be broken so easily", said Dilip in a frustrated tone.

"There has to be a misunderstanding. Arjun has helped us so many times for Choti's sake only. There has to be something we are not aware of. I know the way they got married wasn't right, but that was fate, and we can't change what was meant to be. Maybe it was God's way of telling us that Arjun and Radhika belong together, not just in this life, but for eternal continuum," replied Mala somberly.

"Dilip, I agree with Bahu. I think we should meet Arjun - if he truly loves our Choti, he will not deny our request. Maybe the solution is in speaking with Arjun, and even Sam. To sacrifice your love is not an easy thing to do - I worry about Choti. She may seem wise and mature, but she is just as naive and innocent at heart." It was the first time Dada-ji had said something in a serious tone, and his son couldn't do anything but comply with his wish.

"If Arjun will call again, we can ask him to meet us." Dilip finished off their conversation and left to help Ankush in closing their shop for the day.

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Scene 4

Arjun found himself driving on similar roads he did the night before his supposed wedding to Sam. Nearing the bridge look-out, he parked his car by the curb and got down to catch a view of the calming sea. It was peaceful being here, the sea with soft moonlight was glistening. He could feel a slight breeze as he closed his eyes to reminisce the warmth of Radhika's smile.

She had been his strength and comfort the night before. Radhika had pieced his broken self together ever so gently. And in process, she unknowingly ignited a light inside of him - a light that could weather any storm, a light that was eternal. Without contemplation, Arjun took out his phone and dialed a number hoping to hear familiar voice on the other line.

"Hello?"

"Uhh... Dada-ji?"

"Arjun-beta?"

"Yes... I was hoping to talk to you..." Arjun counted his lucky stars as he really needed to speak with Dada-ji. The way Radhika always talked about her beloved grandfather, he knew the elder relative could be his guiding light in this mess.

"Yes beta..."

"Can we meet ... tomorrow perhaps... you don't have to inform Radhika ... I just need to speak with you if that is ok?"

"We were thinking the same, Arjun."

"Good... so I will make a day-trip to Rishikesh tomorrow ... and ..."

"Don't worry" replied Dada-ji sensing the worry in Arjun's tone, "Mala will be taking Choti to the mandir tomorrow anyway, and I will take care of the rest."

"I... thank you ... I'll call you in the morning, then."

"Until tomorrow, beta"

"Thank you Dada-ji".

As he hung up the phone, Arjun couldn't help but smile softly. Though he had never met the eldest Mishra, somehow he knew he could trust Radhika's dada-ji. And tomorrow he would finally meet her family, as he should have had things been different. Until tomorrow!

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Part 1 - Page 1 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11

Part 2 - updated on page 4 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=4

Part 3 - updated on page 7 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=7

Part 4 - updated on page 10 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=10

Part 5 - updated on page 12 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=12

Part 6 - updated on page 14 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=14

Part 7 - updated on page 17 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=17

Part 8 - updated on page 19 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=19

Part 9 - updated on page 22 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=22