FF - If Only I Could (Updt 24-35) Pg 16-18 - Page 8

I can honestly say there's more intrigue in your writing than there is in the show! There's a clear description of their inner turmoil, a LOT of chances for romantic moments etc.

ch.11,12,13

Thank you for the wonderful and awesome comments. It feels good to know the story is loved by many.

🤗A Big Bear Hug to you all...

Chapter 14

The following morning, Baba and Mrityunjay had left early. Meethi had informed her they were going to the court and Vasu had left for University.

Baba had told her to pray that they would get some positive news. Well she would just for Baba, but then why was she so anxious for him...hoping they would come home with some good news? It did not matter to her anyways...

That morning Tara had a longer session of dance practise. She had danced with vigour and passion...wanting to unleash all that she had been feeling these past few days, the strange way his proximity was making her go weak in the knees, her eyes seeking him out every day, wanting to look good for him knowing he would never admire her as a woman. Wanting to get rid of such thoughts Tara punished herself with more strenuous moves and turns.

Tired and worn out...just as she was going up the stairs, Meethi came running to her holding the phone, "Tara...Tara...its Vasu!"

Tara stopped in her tracks, "Vasu?...Kya hua...stop crying Meethi!...what happened?"

Meethi handed over the phone to Tara...someone from the University was on the other end..."This is Mrs. Agarwal...Head of Student Councillor, Vasu is hurt...we tried calling her mother and father both their mobiles are unreachable."

"What happened?"

"I can't explain over the phone, a boy was involved, we have administered first aid, please come immediately" said the woman at the other end.

Tara asked Meethi to call Jayraj, Mrityunjay. Their mobiles were all switched off. Aditya was out of town. Nirmala was said to have gone for some Reiki session and her mobile too was off.

Meethi continued to cry, "Tara kuchh toh karo."

Tara called for the driver, ran up threw a shirt on her body con dance gear and ran out of the house asking the driver take her straight to the university.

On the way she kept trying to reach her Sasuma...to no avail, Baba...no one...nobody seemed to be around when needed most...Gosh!

Leave it, she would handle the situation, it wouldn't be the first for her, she was well known in her galli to come to the rescue of someone or the other...

Tara called back the Principal, asked to speak to Vasu, who was crying bitterly "Mama...please come Mama...I need you." refusing to take the call, they then held the phone to her ears, Tara spoke in her softest voice, "Vasu Pari...you hear me right! I am coming don't worry," Tara prayed fervently for nothing serious to be the matter. She reached the University and ran all the way to the Dean's office caring two hoots for the students around!

Panting for breath...she entered to see Vasu hurled on the floor, in a curled up position, against the door of a cupboard, looking away from everyone...crying bitterly.

The Principal filled Tara in on the incident privately. Vasu had liked a boy who she was pursuing for quite some time. The boy asked her do things she refused to, he persisted, forcing himself on her...she ran off from the empty classroom, when she tripped and fell off the stairs. Tara thanked the Principal profusely and prayed to give her the strength and mind to handle the matter her way. She was informed the boy was with the security. Tara asked for the boy to be brought to where Vasu was in a while after she was done talking to Vasu.

Faheem Chacha stood there watching the child, feeling helpless...where was the girl's mother, where was Nirmala Begum? He was clueless to what really happened...but felt terrible seeing her in this state. And then he saw Tara come and tend to the girl...

Tara approached Vasu and sat down on the floor beside her saying gently, "Pari...my angel...it's me...hey...I am here now...shall we go to the doctor's first...you can talk later...hmmm..what say." Vasu did not budge... she further cringed away from Tara.

Tara then took off her shirt and placed it on Vasu's exposed thighs, coaxing her gently again, "Baba will be very worried for you Pari come now you are a very responsible young girl. Take this"...and hands her a wet wipe continues gently, "And wipe your face, all your eyeliner is dripping...you look a sight...come on...girls should look pretty even when they cry."

Vasu turned slowly... to look at Tara...with tears streaming down a face...gave her a weird look..."really"

Tara thanked God...she responded...so nodded..."We girls are strong never let the guys know about your weakness. You want to know how, wait."

Tara rises and asks for the boy to be brought to them. The boy arrives hands in the pocket with arrogance written all over his face and no regret over what he had done.

He scans Tara from top to down. Tara now all the more mad thinks this chip of some dirty old block needs to be taught a lesson. Why did she have to bring him here now thought Vasu. What was this Tara upto?

Yet Vasu turns a little to watch the drama unfold in front of her. Tara scared as hell but not showing it...she had to do this for Vasu.. goes to the boy touches his arm saying, "Wow you really are muscular, strong and a real man, I would love to see your muscles."

Faheem gives Tara a confused look. What was this young lady upto? That too in front of the students and Vasu?

Man the boy is all agitated, with a glorified smirk takes off his shirt displaying his bare chest... to all in the room. There was pin drop silence...all waiting what next...The boy looks at the girls around and waits for Tara to admire him. And Tara does it with her eyes and continues to elate him, "Hai Hai...tuh toh bada pehelwan nikla re."

She then touches his belt, "Yaar teri belt bhi super hai, nikal toh zara?" The boy is ready to strip. as soon as he unhooks it and pulls it off she takes it from him. "Kya mein yeh rakh loon?" Teri yaad mein re...abb tuh nikal hmmm...phir milenge...hmmm!"

He winks and smiles...and turns to leave when everyone hears the most stinging shot of a belt on the boy...who is shocked and falters in his footsteps.

"Tere jaise double pushti waale pehelwano ko theek kiya hai Tara ne, and whacks the belt with another blow." The boy winces in pain..."this woman is crazy, please help me someone."

Faheem Chacha claps and is laughing at Tara's tactics says to the boy, "Aurat ke haat se maar khana matlab tuh napunsak bangaya"

"This is from Vasu" and whacks again and another one "And this is from me...you haven't met her brother yet, your parents would have been doing your antim sanskaar by now. Chal nikal idhar se." The boy runs off filled with shame and pain!

Vasu amidst her tears could not believe her eyes to what she just saw...her wet eyes light up... Tara was crazy!

Tara then informs the Principal they would be lodging an official complaint with the police.

She comes back to see Vasu had stopped crying, "Chalo I'll help you let's get out of here." Vasu nods and Tara manages to get her out of there from the back entrance away from the students prying eyes...whilst she called Faheem to get the car into the grounds of the University.

Tara and Faheem Chachan decide to go to the hospital in order to rule out any concussions and attend to her wounds. Once inside the hospital Tara uses the Shekhawat name to get the doctors to attend to Vasu at once.

Running up and down the hospital she got all the formalities completed and then insisted she would stay with Vasu all the time.

Faheem in the mean time tried to get in touch with Nirmala, Jayraj and Mrityunjay. No one was yet available.

After the necessary tests were done, the doctor rules out everything was okay. Minor bruises were taken care of and tells Tara, "She is hurt emotionally more than physically."

Tara agrees, "Yes doctor...thank you...I will keep that in mind...she is in a delicate situation right now."

When they were on their way home, Baba's phone was reachable, Faheem gives Tara the phone to fill him up with the details. She assures him they were coming home and Vasu was fine.

Tara turned to Vasu and places a protective arm around her. The girl did not mind instead inched closer to Tara seeking solace, placing her head on Tara's chest.

Tara's eyes glistened with tears, a tightness in her chest...her heart went out to the teenager who was so lost right now feelings of guilt, disgust and rejection. Faheem watched the scene behind and wiped away his own smiling to himself.

to be continued/...

Chapter 15

They reach home to find the men anxiously waiting for them. Tara had her arm around Vasu who was still covered with her shirt. Mrityunjay saw his little baby sister cling to Tara...ignoring their presence...and walk away from them.

Baba and Mrityunjay ask in unison, "Vasu, beta...tum theek ho?" Vasu simply nods.

Tara placed a finger on her lips asking the men not to ask any questions, and quietly takes Vasu to her bedroom and shuts the door on the face of MJ and Baba, requesting for some privacy.

Faheem Chacha fills the men up with all the details, the drama of whatever he saw and happened in front of him. Mrityunjay eyes widened with shock, she beat up that guy? Does she not think it could also land her in deep trouble?

Whilst here Tara helps Vasu get into something comfortable, pulls the blanket over her and opens the door for her Father and brother to come in. Tara rushes to her own bedroom and puts on another shirt conscious of her figure hugging gear and returns. Baba and Mrityunjay were at Vasu's side asking her how she felt, "I just want to sleep now" refusing to divulge anything.

"Where is Tara...why did she leave me?" Baba and Mrityunjay exchange glances. Baba says softly "She is coming and so is your mom...she will be here any minute."

Tara and Nirmala enter the room at the same time. Tara stands back at the foot of the bed. Mrityunjay gets up to let his mother be seated next to Vasu.

Nirmala, "What is this nonsense Vasu, how did this happen?"

Vasu does not reply, Nirmala continues, "Answer me Vasu, what happened?"

"Leave me alone Mama."

"Not until you tell me what happened?"

"Just go away please," whimpers Vasu.

Then looking at Mriyunjay she remarks, "This is a price we are paying for Mrityunjay's sins."

With a painful scream Vasu cries out, "Stop it!...my brother did not do anything..I hate you...go away from here" Mrityunjay rushes to her beside trying to calm her down, "Vasu its okay...shhh." No response... "go away" still crying, "leave me alone all of you."

Tara and Baba looked stunned, yet worried. Tara hesitates but then comes to Vasu, "Pari it's fine...we will leave if you want us to...shhh...stop crying." and then gets up to leave.

She pulls Tara's arm and says, "you stay...don't leave me."

Tara did not know what to say to the girl's family members. Nirmal walks out in a huff, hurt and angry. Baba pats Tara's shoulder, "Bahu, Vasu needs you, it's okay."

Mrityunjay kisses Vasu on the forehead, "Take care Choti" and walks out of there with his Father.

After Vasu was fed, medications given...Tara leaves her with Daijaan saying she would change, eat and promising her she would return soon. The girl was falling asleep.

Tara goes back into her room, showers and comes down for her meal...only to see Mrityunjay standing looking into oblivion...The night breeze swishing and swaying the palms of the trees...Tara walks upto where he stood, he turned when he saw her and said, "How is she?"

"Asleep now."

He look down, she continued softly, "She will be fine...don't worry." Silence.

"She adores you and loves you a lot."

He looked up, "Yeah I know and so do I...sadly though she is not my flesh and blood."

"What has bloodline got to do with love?...it's an emotion that goes beyond blood, sense and sensibility..its purer than the blood running in your veins" what was she saying and to whom? She better shut up. He stared at her in a strange way.

He heaved a sigh, and then looked up to her accusingly, "There is more to this whole thing than what Faheem Chacha has told us isn't it?'

She folded her arms against her chest and said, "Maybe there is maybe not...though I have not hidden anything as such...whatever needs to be told I have told you and Baba."

"But it's not everything."

"It's nothing she is a little lost right now...it's a phase...just a teenager after all...also there will be things that will always remain between us, I would be betraying her trust if I spoke more than I should. "And honestly you being her brother and Baba her parent I would not be stupid to hide anything."

He smirked, "Oh so you are getting wiser hmm"

She frowned, damn the man...he looked so different when he smirked, but why did he have to rile her, "What do you mean?"

"Well you don't seem a day older than Vasu to me? The beating up of the guy, did you really have to resort to that?"

Proudly pat came the reply, "What?...I am all of 21 for your information." He now knew how old she was..."Oh so the wisdom is getting there...hmmm."

She grumbles, "If you were to do that it's fine because you are a man, but because I whacked the guy it becomes questionable? That is just not fair. He deserved it, naani yaad aayegi usse...he would never behave with another girl again. I am not called the Bhai of Bhopal for nothing"

His eyes laughed, "Wait a minute...what did you just say?" Bhai of BHopal?!" and he burst out laughing...

She stared at the man...she sees him laugh for the first time a full throttle laugh..

Oh Gosh no...she and a big mouth..."Not now...I ...I used to be called...n...no...not anymore." she went about correcting herself.

Still smiling, "I see"

Just then Daijaan came to her saying, "Vasu is asking for you."

"I'm coming," and she walked away to turn back and see him still laughing...She smiles back.

This was really funny. God did play a funny prank on him. He was in for the murder & rape of a man and here he was married to a woman called the 'Bhai of Bhopal' Could life get weirder than this? For the first time he could laugh over the strange situation he was in...

Tara asks Daijaan to get her dinner in Vasu's room and says she would stay there for the night.

Vasu falls asleep and Tara too curls up in bed beside her. Vasu did not let go of Tara's hand all through the night.

Suddenly Tara hears the night lamp go on...tries to open her sleepy eyes to see Vasu get up and wanting to sit.

"Vasu what happened? Why aren't you sleeping? Rest now."

Vasu leans against the headboard and says, "Is it wrong to like a guy? Was it my fault I dressed like that?

A drowsy Tara got up realizing Vasu wanted to speak it out...she wanted answers to her questions...

Sleepy though she was after all that happened the previous day...She pushed herself up and took Vasu's hand in hers and said, "No its not wrong to like a guy, if you don't like guys I would think you are abnormal, but if HE sees you as an object it's not your fault at all."

Vasu pours out the whole incident, "I really liked him Tara, and thought he did too, that day I went to him hoping he would ask me to be his partner for the upcoming show."

Tara listened without interruption, rubbing her hand all the time, Vasu continued, "He said he would ask me provided I did something for him. He asked me take off my clothes."

She looked at Tara, "I objected...he said...if half of your body is exposed what is the harm to expose the rest."

"I called him names and told him to shut up...I wasn't going to do any such thing...he was mad...seeing we were alone...he began to tug at my clothes, ...I pushed him away realizing I was in trouble...but he came after me...I was really scared...I ran as fast as I could...and screamed when I saw some other students, who happened to be my senior...that is when I tripped and fell...I feel so dirty about myself...what was I thinking when I went to him. I am such a fool" ..and then hid her face in her hands sobbing softly..

Tara gently stroked her hair saying, "Vasu Pari now listen to me. Look at me...look here."

She wipes of those tears from her face, speaking in a firm tone, "This is the last time I will see you cry over an scumbag. That badmaash and lafanga...chuchundar..gadha.. ... is not worth it and has not been taught at home to respect women.

Also you are a very very brave girl to say no to him and run away from him. Not everyone has the guts to do that...so you should pat yourself on the back rather than feeling guilty."

Vasu interrupted, "Funny the person who then asked me to run and stood there to block Ratan was a guy too. How could one be bad and the other good?"

Third thing..."Ratan the scumbag saw you only as an object of desire, it's not in your dressing it is the way he perceived you..sadly some males only see women as objects...but not all are the same...see the boy who happened to be there to help you...he was so different...he helped you out right?"

"If your dressing was so wrong, then all the women who were attacked before this, should have been attacked because of the clothes they wore? No...it's not the case...you and I know that."

"And yes let's forget about this incident, no more crying...actually I would not have minded whacking him some more...even to the extent of pulling his pants down and belting him."

Vasu laughed, "What? you are crazy you know?"

Tara winked, "yeah maybe I am...feeling better" Vasu nodded, then yawning Tara says, "shall we sleep now, you need to rest...and I am dying to sleep."

Vasu agrees. She would talk to Vasu about her mother tomorrow. And they both fall asleep holding hands.

To be contd/...

Chapter 16

Next day morning , Mrityunjay enters to find a messy Tara in deep slumber...arms raised above her head...A woken Vasu nudges her, "Get up." seeing her brother around. Tara kicks the cushion down and says in her sleep, 'Sone do Maa" "Tara Bhabhi" nudged Vasu. Tara,"Pehle namak waali chai lao Nandu" turns and sleeps again. Vasu nudges her harder, "Bhai is here!...get up." To him she looked...the messy hair, eyes shut, the full mouth slightly parted.. that weird yet a bit revealing night suit...lazily stretched out like a cat...an adorable morning look...She opens her eyes they fall on him...what was he doing here early morning...damn this wasn't her room... he stares back...she quickly pulls the blanket upto her chin, and says shyly, "Excuse us please." He walks away wishing it was his room and his bed... She gets up hurriedly telling Vasu she would be back in a while, then rushes off to her room to freshen up. She had cancelled her classes for a couple of days. The girl needed her.

She returns after a while to find Mrityunjay and Baba talking to Vasu. She decides to walk away. It was sad that her mother did not make any attempt to see her child.

She goes looking for Nirmala who was in her bedroom. She knocks asking for permission to come in.

"What do you want? Are you here to goad me now?"

"No...I just came to tell you that you have brought up the perfect daughter. Your Vasu is very very brave and strong."

"Yesterday she was shattered after what happened. All she wants is for you to tell her she is not at fault...and to ask her how she was feeling."

"She is actually waiting for you to come and see her."

Nirmala does not say a word, Tara leaves the room, when Nirmala says, "Thanks for being around."

"You are welcome"

Tara goes back to check on Vasu, Mrityunjay was still around. He gets up seeing Tara in there. Greets her a good morning with a smile and she does the same...she notices his attire. The white kurta looked so good on him...She gulps hard...why did she start noticing what he wore now...He...leaves but not without hearing Vasu says, "Sorry Tara Bhabi I troubled you a lot." to which the spitfire replied, "Bhabhi? Kaun Bhabhi? Kiski Bhabhi...No bhabhi wabhi...please. Its Faltu, Tara Bachhu or Tara."

Vasu remarks, "Faltu?"

"Yeah Bunty, my younger brother calls me that...and you can too."

MJ stood outside the door and could not help but eavesdrop; she sure knew how to win people over.

He left letting the girls get on with their silly talks. She was no less a child, at least behaved like one most of the time.

He also remembered sometimes he would heard the faint melodious sounds of her practising her singing. The ragas...she was rarely loud and most of the times that she did go on with her singing sessions when he was out. She was sensible enough not to break the strict house rules by his mother. The corners of his mouth broke into a tiny smile, smart girl.

Nirmala did come in later to speak to Vasu and Tara stayed away. She let mother and daughter sort their issues out. There wasn't any need to talk to Vasu.

Tara heard a knock on her door. She had her ears plugged in, it was him standing there.

She spoke louder than required, "Yes!"

He enters and moves close to her, she jerks back, he reaches for the earplugs and pulled them off. His fingers brush her neck...oh how he wished he could trace her pulse there...

"I forgot to say this...thanks a lot for handling Vasu the way you did."

"You are welcome."

"I mean you did not have to go out of your way...the counselling bit...you really managed to charm her."

So he was praising her, a warm fuzzy feeling crept inside of her, he noticed her lowering her gaze.

"How did you know?"

"Oh don't worry Vasu too hasn't told on you. I just presumed. But next time as long as the Shekhawat name is attached to you, you won't take the law in your hands. Is that understood.?

Hmmm so now he is back to giving orders thinks Tara.

"Yeah sure fine, I'll try, but I cannot promise for sure, it depends on the situation."

'You are one stubborn lady," and then turns to leave.

She whispers to herself, oh so he did think I was a female after all.

"What did you just say?" he turned back.

"Nothing," she shakes her head...eyes growing large.

He leaves knowing exactly what she said... ...she would never know...how she was affecting him...there was nothing boyish about her, she was all woman to him...albeit crazy yes...but her femininity was as brazen as she was. That raw quality he had rarely come across... He had noticed her simple bright green viscose kurti...making her look like a young girl...nor could he get out of his mind the figure she posed yesterday with that body hugging outfit that she had on. It had enhanced every curve of her. He had noticed her discomfort when his eyes fell upon her...

There was a lightness in his step as he sauntered down...a faint smile touching his lips...

"Mrityunjay!" he heard his father say, "watch it" he had bumped hard against his father.

"Oh! Baba!...so sorry. I...I was just going out" taking backward steps...and rushes out of the house.

With a narrowed gaze and a smile Baba continued to watch his son behave so differently...was it Tara who brought that smile to his face or was it the appeal being accepted. Maybe both.

Mrityunjay rode the mare and went about his daily business. Nothing had changed in his life he thought...but why were his thoughts muddled with visions of her...his mellowing towards her...accepting her childish ways of doing things...it did not irk him anymore...was it wrong to feel a bit of that joy...for a few days? The appeal did not mean a thing...apart from the court restudying the case...he would not dwell on it...but what if!

Jayraj fills up Tara with details of the appeal, happy as ever, "Tara Bahu can you believe it, the appeal has been accepted. We have been trying for months. It has come through now...they will be studying the case again."

Tara listened and she was happy for Baba and him but her heart sank...this would mean so many things...she would rather not ponder on any right now...

He remained at the stable that night...sketched for some time...and was looking forward to the sunrise after so long...

He had got up just before dawn, strode outside and perched himself on the tree house...and watched the glow of the sun kiss the sky...his artistic eye caught the grey at first, then silver, then pink to a deep crimson...the golden rays touching the green foliage around him...he breathed in deeply letting the air fill his lungs...a new morning...darkness was always followed by light...this was the will of Nature ...but how many mornings did he have left?

To be contd/...

awesome dear👍🏼maine isse abhi tak nahi padha tha lekin ab suru se padhungi ,aap bahut accha likhti hain plzz isse continue rakhiye😊

Originally posted by: TUM-tum

awesome dear👍🏼maine isse abhi tak nahi padha tha lekin ab suru se padhungi ,aap bahut accha likhti hain plzz isse continue rakhiye😊

shukriya...zaroor karoongi...🤗

love it! super their attraction is growing for each other

kya baat hai...that was amazing...please please cont soon

awesome update

D, super wonderful update.

Originally posted by: sabaSpeaks

D, super wonderful update.

Loved all the three parts.

Please let Tara know he is straight( pleas, please,please)

Story is moving at such a great pace.

Thanks for the PM.

ROFL Saba you are getting impatient...ofcourse she will know...but the fun is how...because he is not giving her any indication that he is straight...