Stroke of Destiny!!! An OS on JV and Cancer Track

I know that I should be updating my FF...but my disappointment with the show, the makers, and the absurd treatment of a disease like cancer...compelled me to write this OS. 😳

There could have been many ways in which this whole issue was handled...amongst the families. Following is my version and i got this idea, when we had the Beeji-Viren- Dr. Mannan scene. Finally, i decided to share it with you guys. Since, in this OS...I'm revealing about Manvi's illness to Jeevika...its gonna be quite a serious and emotional one. Also, I'm expecting it to be LONG (nothing new from me...😆) so, I'll post it in two parts. Part 1 is in this post...and Part 2 is in the next one. PMs will be a little late 😳

Hope you guys like it...and hope I can do at least a little bit of justice to the characters involved. As always...will be looking forward to your feedback, comments, criticism... 😳

Preamble:

And now, the scene starts...

Viren reached back home after attending the conference in Delhi...and the first thing he wanted to do, after entering the house, was to have this beautiful wife in his arms. But knowing how things were at the Vadera's, he went straight to Dadaji's study to meet him. Inder and Swamini were also there, in the study...so, he greeted them all and excused himself. He strode to Vanshika's room...but she wasn't there. He went to his room...but it was also empty. He called out Jeevika's name a few times...but she wasn't there. He came out and saw Tarun going down the stairs...

"Tarun..." Viren called him. Tarun stopped where he was and turned back to come towards Viren.

Viren cut him off..."Tarun...brake lagao yaar. Yes...I'm back today itself. But where is everyone...umm...I mean, where are Ma and Jeevika?", he moved his fingers in his hair...and his other hand was on his waist.

Tarun promptly replied..." Beeji, Madan Sir and Manvi Ma'm are going back to Rishikesh today...so, Vanskhika Ma'm and Jeevika Ma'm have gone to the market... they had to to buy something for Manvi Ma'm".

"They are all going back today? " Viren thought. "Why so suddenly? There must be some important work..." Viren reasoned in his own mind.

With this, Tarun seeked permission to go and carry on with his work. Viren nodded and with lazy steps, he turned to go back to his room, to freshen up. He came rushing back after the Conference, because it was the first time after their wedding, that he was away from Jeevika...and he missed her terribly...so, he got his ticket rescheduled, and came a day early...but not finding his wife at home, disappointed him. He wanted to see her...hold her in his arms...kiss her...keep his head in her lap and relax. But all of this had to wait, because his wife wasn't at home.

Just as he took 2-3 steps inside his room...Viren thought of something...he hit his forehead with the tips of his fingers and pusred his lips..."how could I forget this? I didn't go and meet Beeji, Chachu and Manvi...Tarun said that they're leaving today...I should go and spend some time with them"...and he was out of his room again.

Just as he reached near the door he heard...

"Kya Beeji...cheer up. You look so sad and depressed...this way, Jeevika Di will automatically gather that something is wrong..."

"Chachu'you convince Beeji...see, I will not go back like this. We all have to put a brave face in front of Di..."

"But Maanvi..." Madan interrupted her...

"No ifs and no buts, Chachu. I want a promise on this. Jeevika Di, Jeeju...and no one else in Chandigadh should know of this. And if we have such depressed faces...Jeevika Di will sense that something is wrong. So, pleaseee...If you both promise me...its fine. Otherwise, I'm not going back. And that is FINAL!" As much as Manvi was trying to act strong, her slightly shaking hands...and her trembling voice was describing her inner turmoil.

Beeji looked at Manvi...and pressed her hands..."Manvi, beta...don't do this. Jeevika is your sister...we can't hide anything from her. This is not something that we can hide from her for long...sooner or later, she will get to know. Its better if we tell her soon...the more we delay, the more difficult it will become...for us, as well as her. How will we face her then? Will you be able to pacify her? This is wrong, beta...try and understand...I can't hide such a big thing from Jeevika..."

Manvi looked down, on their hands...Beeji could feel her weak and shaky form...Manvi took a deep breath and looked up again...her eyes filled with moisture, which she was trying to hold, but it was defying her oders...

A lump was formed in Beeji's throat...as she ran her hand over Manvi's head...and bent to hug her. Madan's tears were also not stopping, as he approached the ladies...and sat on the ground, placing his hand on Manvi's head.

Viren's curiosity had reached its peak. He twicthed his lips...hands on waist...and his own eyes slightly moist. He didn't know anything...he couldn't figure out anything from the conversation that he had just heard...what all he knew was there was some serious issue, which was being hidden from him also...but he had to know about it and help his new family. His analytical mind had already started thinking of possibilities...and also of possible ways, through which he could get to know of the issue...but once again, his thought process was interrupted by the convo in the room.

"Theek hai, Manvi...whatever you say. We will not tell Jeevika anything right now...but think about it, beta...she has a right to know..." Beeji straightened on the chair and lovingly caressed Manvi's cheeks.

Manvi was finally relieved..."you are simply great, Beeji. So, now...it's a promise...no one will tell Di that I have cancer..." she said matter of factly...because the three of them knew about it...but what they didn't know was the another pair of ears had heard this terrible fact.

C.A.N.C.E.R...what happened inside the room after hearing this word blurred out for Viren...the ground under his feet seemed to have slid completely...his mind had stopped working...and his heart was thudding at a racer's pace... "Cancer...MANVI has cancer...NO...HOW...CANCER?" Viren shook his head in disbelief...his hands, that were on his waist, slid down...every sense of his ceased to exist...he was completely in the state of shock, disbelief and denial. He took a deep breath, ran his hand through his hair..."This can't be true...Manvi and cancer? Nooo..."

And as if on their own accord, his feet moved inside the room...where the Hrishikesh family was hugging Manvi and Manvi was wiping Beeji's and Madan's tears.

He stood there...still trying to comprehend what his ears had just heard...register it into his mind...his eyes were on the trio...but his mind was somewhere else...

"Chalo, now no more rona dhona. Di would be back any minute...so, let's finish the packing and go downstairs...after all, its almost evening snack time, according to Hitler Dadaji's time table..." Manvi chuckled and with her Beeji and Chachu also laughed...

She got up from the floor...and turned to go towards the closet...when she just froze in her tracks...

Beeji and Madan noticed her and saw in the direction where her eyes were fixed, in deep shock...

Viren was looking straight towards her...towards them...his shaken form, his moist eyes, his utterly confused expressions...everything was a proof of the fact that he had heard the TRUTH...truth, that they wanted to hide from him also.

For a few seconds, there was complete silence in the room. No one was able to think of what to say...how to say. A lawyer like Viren...whose weapon was words...this was one rare moment of his life, when he had nothing to say...because he didn't know what to say.

"Wo Jeeju...ap kab...i mean...Jeeju..." Manvi muttered some words, trying to break the silence...hoping that Viren hadn't heard the family talk.

With slow steps, Viren walked towards Manvi, Beeji and Madan...his eyes fixed on them...

"Jeeju...", Manvi's heart sank to the lowest...

Viren didn't say aything...just raised his hand, signaling Manvi to stop...he was serious in his demeanor.

Viren moved his eyes from Manvi and looked towards Beeji and Madan..."Beeji...Chachu...how? Why...?" His tone was dead serious.

Manvi had never seen him like this...and she knew that it was all out of her hand now. She kept pressing her hands, her worst fear was coming true...she felt like running away from there...but there was no other option but to face it now.

After a few seconds of silence...Viren walked towards Beeji, who was finding it difficult to look straight into his eyes..."Beeji, how could you do this? This is your faith on me? You always say that I am your son...and you hid such a big thing from me. You trusted me with your elder daughter, Beeji...and now, when the family is going through such a crisis...you simply disowned me? I can understand that Manvi doesn't want Jeevika to know...right or wrong, that is a separate issue...but what about ME, Beeji? You didn't think me worth it...am I some stranger...?

His eyes slowly moved from Beeji to Manvi...who was now holding Madan's arm with all the force she had. The panic-stricken look on her face, her weak and shaky appearance...her eyes pleading him to keep it a secret from Jeevika...Viren closed his eyes for a couple of seconds, to compose himself. He had always seen Manvi living life to the fullest...smiling, laughing, jumping around...living life on her terms, like a free bird...doing what she thinks is right, helping other's...how could life be so unfair to her? How could live be so harsh on her? A plethora of questions were crowding his mind...and he had NO answer to any of these.

"How could you even think of hiding it from me? You say that I am your elder brother...and not your Jeeju...this is how you treat your elder brother? This is how you die things from him? Brothers are there to protect their sisters...keep them safe from anything that could harm them...and you wanted to deprive me of my right? I'm very disappointed, Manvi..." He didn't wanted to make it more difficult for her...he wanted to pacify her...assure her that his brother was there, by her side.

Beeji and Madan were sad, yet relieved at the sight in front of them. Their eyes were still moist, but the heart and mind had an unknown comfort. They were thanking the stars for making Viren over hear the conversation...

Viren was constantly telling Manvi to relax...not to worry...not to cry...giving her the much needed support. He then detached...and smiled to Manvi...who responded with a smile too.

"Go and wash your face now...I don't want to see my dear Saali like this...come on...hurry up"... he further cheered up Manvi'who then turned to out to go to her room.

He then walked towards Beeji...

"Beeji'since the time Jeevika and I got engaged...I have considered you all as MY family. Manvi is not Jeevika's sister only...she is my sister also. I love her just like an elder brother...I have always wanted the best for her. Whatever happened, has happened...but Beeji, please don't worry about anything now. I know that even the name of the disease, cancer... shatters a person...but medical science has really advanced. Cancer is very much treatable now. Yes, the process is lengthy and painful...but we can't lose hope. Trust me, Beeji...I will not let anything happen to Manvi. We will consult the expert doctors here in Chandigadh...and if need be, we will take her to Delhi or elsewhere...Manvi will be FINE...she has to be FINE!I We will do everything for her treatment...and Beeji...you don't worry about the expenses..."

Madan had to interrupt here..."No, Viren beta...expenses are not an issue...we will manage..."

Viren politely cut him..."Chachu, please...its all between OUR family...and the MOST important right now is Manvi's timely and proper treatment...we'll do everything to ensure that she gets the best medical facilities."

Beeji's moist eyes shone with pride for her son-in-law. She felt like the most fortunate person to have found such a gem of a partner for Jeevika. She looked at Viren's face lovingly...taking a few seconds, to let his words sink in...and then nodded in affirmation.

"But beta...who will tell her? And will Manvi agree to it?"...Beeji had just this much concern.

"Viren Ji...aap??"

Viren smiled back, a brief smile...which thankfully, went unnoticed by Jeevika...and curled his arm around Jeevika's waist, from the back. Well aware of Beeji and Madan's presence in the room...Jeevika slightly blushed...but her heart made her respond instantly to his gesture, by slightly leaning her head on her hubby's shoulder.

A knock on the door interrupted them all, and they saw Tarun there, "Jeevika Ma'm, tea is ready...Swamini Ma'm and Vanshika Ma'm are waiting for you all in the lounge..."

After having tea and light snacks...the Vadera, as well as the Chaudhry families got busy in their routine activities. Viren had convinced Beeji and Madan, not to return to Hrishikesh, as they'll go and consult their family doc as soon as possible...so, they also retired to their rooms to relax. After all, it was a tough day for them. Manvi was with Jeevika in her room. She didn't know about Viren's convo with Beeji and Madan...what all she knew was that they would be staying in Chandigadh for a few more days. This was more than enough for her to feel ecstatic.

Part 2:

In their room:

Jeevika was sitting on the bed...gift wrapping a couple of boxes. Her lovely smile was adorning her face...and she was looking breathtakingly beautiful in a blue saree. Her open hair, her big, beautiful and shining eyes...made Viren's heart skip a beat as soon as his eyes fell on her. With gaze was fixed on her, watching her completely absorbed in wrapping the boxes very meticulously... he took the steps to reach near her.

She was so absorbed that she didn't notice his presence initially. But as soon as he reached near the bed...she knew that he was there. She didn't even have to look up to see him...her heart told her of his presence...she could feel the warmth of his gaze on her. It was now her heart's turn to skip a beat or two.

She looked up...and saw him watching her mesmerized. He looked extremely handsome in his baby pink shirt and blue jeans...and she wondered, how could he manage to have so much charm in something as causal as denims and shirt?. She smiled at him...his gaze unsettled her slightly and made her a bit conscious. She felt like getting up and hug him...she was seeing him after two long days...and just like him, she had missed him terribly too. Each second without him was very difficult to pass...and now that he was back, right in front of her eyes...he just wanted to be in his arms. She blushed at the thought...at how hopelessly she was in love with him...and lowered her eyes again.

The silence was increasing her pulse rate...so, she just muttered..."Wo...actually...ummm...Manvi, Beeji and Chachu are going back tonight...so, I thought of buying some gifts for them. And if I don't send anything to Dabbu and Chachi...they will feel very bad. And I know Badi Beeji too...she will not say anything...but she also loves getting gifts...So, I went to the market with Ma..."

Though Viren's mind was still stuck in deep thoughts, yet he tried to appear as normal and composed as he could. He gave her a weak smile...but didn't say anything. There was something in his eyes...on his face, that seemed out of place to Jeevika. She was getting perturbed by his silence...she didn't know why but since the last few days, she was feeling very uncomfortable. She looked at his face for a couple of minutes...trying to study his expressions..but he was successful in hiding the real facts from her.

She started to talk again..."Sorry Viren Ji...you felt bad that I wasn't at home when you came? You should've called me...I wouldn't have gone anywhere..." her explanations were getting more and more adorable.

Finally, he broke his silent spree..."No, there's nothing like this. I mean...no...as in, yes...Its good that you went and bought these gifts. Badi Beeji, Chachi and Dabbu will also be very happy...yeah..." he left the sentence mid-way...not knowing what to say further.

Jeevika noticed his uneasiness and got down from the bed, to stand in front of him. The connection of their hearts was giving her the signal that her husband was worried about something. She wanted to ask him directly...but thought otherwise, knowing that he must be tired and nothing else.

Her smile had slightly faded and her thoughts started wandering, trying to find a reason for his changed behavior...

He looked back at her and tried to smile...in his husky voice, and tilting his head slightly towards her, he said..."yeah...I'm fine...you tell me...did you miss me...?", he didn't want to bring the topic right away...wanted to wait for the right time...and thus, tried to divert the talk to some normal territory.

Jeevika shrugged her thoughts, once again...and smiled back.

Before she could answer...as if the word's slipped out of his mouth..."you know that Beeji, Chachu and Manvi are not going back...don't you?"...

As soon as he registered his own words...he knew that he had made a blunder...a HUGE blunder. This wasn't the way he wanted to talk to her...tell her...but the words were said, and nothing could be done now. Hoping against hope, he was just praying that Jeevika hadn't noticed what he had said...but luck didn't favor him here.

Jeevika's big, beautiful eyes had widened further...and she was shocked..."not going back?? Why?? I mean...why didn't anyone tell me?? I was with Beeji since I came back from the market...and Manvi was here with me till a while back...I showed her the gifts that I am sending to Hrishikesh...and even then she didn't tell me anything..." Jeevika was out of thoughts also now...everything was becoming more and more confusing and complicated for her. First, Manvi's slightly changed behavior, then Viren's restlessness and now this news. He heart beats and pulse became quite erratic, dreading the unknown.

Viren saw the confused look on her face...sighed on his blunder...and tried to cover up for it...

"No, i mean...I...I asked them to stayyy for another...", he didn't know what else to say, how to complete the sentence...and his hands, on their own moved to gently hold her arms, just below the shoulders...trying to soothe her.

"Jeevika..." She was staring on his face...in her eyes...her lips stretched to form a very small smile...but her heart was not convinced...AT ALL!

"Jeevika...there is nothing to worry..." he slightly stroked her arms, where his hands were placed...when she interrupted him..

"No Viren Ji...please...I can feel that you are hiding something from me. My heart is constantly telling me that there is something wrong...", her heart beats were racing...she was pleading with her eyes to tell her everything...as she continued speaking..."Since Beeji and Chachu have come here...I can sense that there is some worry...they are hiding something from me...and now you too? Please Viren ji...I can't take this anymore...please...", her body was slightly shaking...tears started forming in her eyes...and in broken voice, her words joined the plea that her eyes were making.

Viren wasn't expecting this reaction. But what he didn't know was that Jeevika's intuition was telling her, since quite some days...that either something was wrong...or some crisis was on its way. Viren's silence...his words...everything was strengthening her fears.

Viren pursed and twitched his lips. He couldn't see his wife like this...it made his weak also. And he knew, that now was the time to take Jeevika on the ride to reality...

He took a deep breath..."Shhh..." he gentlytold her to take it easy..and tightened his grip on her arms.

"Heyy...please, Jeevika...shhh…relax...please...", he tried to soothe her with his words.

She looked back at him. It was becoming extremely difficult for her eyes to hold the tears anymore...and one lone tear escaped from the corner of her left eye.

Viren very gently wiped this rebellious tear, cupped her left cheek for a second...and his hand then moved back to her arm.

"You know that I can't see you crying...please..."

She just looked back at him...her face devoid of any expressions.

He pressed his hands on her arms..."come here...sit with me..." and he took her with him to make her sit on the couch.

He sat next to her...close to her...his one leg folded on the seat...while the other hung down from the open end of the couch, as he wanted to see her face. He then held both her hands in his own and raised his eyes to look on her face...

Her heartbeats dipped again...dreading something very bad...but she sat quietly...looking in the eyes of her husband, whose magnetic gaze had held her's.

After a few seconds of silence, Viren gathered the courage to speak...

"Jeevika...I know that something about Beeji and Chachu's behavior was worrying you...and we even talked about it, before I went to Delhi. You know that I also noticed something...but then, we thought that we might be just over thinking..."

He stopped for a while...thinking, that what in the world is he saying? He bit his lower lip...lowered his eyes to focus them on their hands...and tried again...speaking in the most soft town, and weighing every word that he spoke.

"See, Jeevika...I know that you are a very strong girl. No matter how difficult circumstances have been...you have always faced them with utmost courage. You have been the strength and support of your family...and have always held them together..."

With every word that he spoke, he could feel her hands going cold...the light pink shade of her cheeks, had started diminishing...and they were turning to white. Her heart was constantly sinking...and her body was trembling more visibly now. Her moist eyes were still focused on him…

"Viren ji..."

"Please...let me say first...", he looked back on her face and requested. She didn't respond...neither signaled anything...and he took her silence as a go ahead for him to continue.

He sighed again...and lowered his eyes back on their hands.

"Jeevika...I want to tell you something. I know that this will be the worst news of your life...but I can't hide this from you. You have to be very brave and strong...promise me that you will not collapse..."

Jeevika didn't respond...she didn't know how to respond. She was getting numb and wasn't able to understand and register Viren's sentences in totality. Viren looked up...in her eyes, that were blank now...no expressions, no emotions...they were just blank!

"Jeevika...it is something related to Manvi. Umm... You know that she wasn't keeping well for quite some time...and recently fainted, after which Dr. Madan took her blood tests..."

Everything started blurring in front of Jeevika's eyes. What could have happened to Manvi…this is something about my Mannu? What…why?? Her mind, her heart...everything had gone out of her control, thinking of even the worst possibilities...

"Jeevika...Manvi's test reports have confirmed that she...that Manvi...", he paused, composed himself...closed his eyes for a second...took a deep breath, and said..."that...Manvi has cancer, Jeevika"

Jeevika looked at Viren in disbelief. Her brain couldn't comprehend what he just said...his words, as if had no impact on her. She just kept on staring at his face...in his eyes.

Viren left her hands and moved his hands to hold her shoulders. She still didn't react...he shook her shoulders lightly..."Jeevika..." his voice was urgent and nervous, as he called out her name.

"Jeevika..." He shook her again, this time a bit strongly.

"Mannu..", and saying this, Jeevika pulled herself out of his hold and stood up from the couch.

Viren followed her and stood facing her...his hands on her arms, again.

"What are you saying, Viren ji...Mannu...my Mannu has WHAT?", she was in no way ready to believe what her ears had just heard.

"Jeevika..."

"Viren ji...kuch bhi kehtey hain aap...and what is all this non-sense...my Mannu...has...?" a frown made its way on her forehead, as she pulled herself out of his grip on her arms...and moved a few steps away from her..."My Mannu has...CANCER?? Cancer??"

She just kept on repeating..." Mannu has cancer?? Mannu...as in...Manvi has cancer...my Mannu...?...yeah...Ap bhi na, Viren ji...kuch bhi...". She lost her balance...and was about to fall, when his strong arm held her from her waist.

"Jeevika...you okay? Jeevika...?", Viren had expected a severe response from her...but this all was getting out of his control. Jeevika's silence, her not accepting the fact...the way she just kept on repeating these lines...he didn't know how to make her believe this fact.

He straightened Jeevika, and himself...his arm was firmly circled around her back...as she now, stood there by his side.

"Viren ji...did you hear? Manvi has cancer...yeah right...Manvi has cancer...couldn't you all think of something else?" With every passing second, her reaction was getting strange. Her mind and heart were completely enveloped in state of disbelief and denial...

"Jeevika, sambhalo apney ap ko..." he shook her again...

Viren's plea went totally unheard by her. He shook her yet again ...

And this time, she looked back in his eyes. Their hearts were thudding at an unbelievably racing speed. Viren's eyes had all the worry and concern...while Jeevika's eyes, that were moist, till a few minutes back...uddenly seemed to be completely blank and dry. Her face, her arms, her hands were totally white...as if there was no blood in her body. She was shivering...and Viren had to keep his arm steadily and firmly around her, so that she doesn't fall.

"Jeevika...?" He called her name again...in the same, soft and concerned voice.

"Viren Ji...please say that this is some joke. Please! My Mannu has cancer...My mannu...CANCER?", she again tried to detach...but his grip was firm. Her eyes were now accusing him...pleading him. Her entire body was shaking inside out. She was numb, she was shocked...and her senses seemed to have stopped working. Viren knew that the reality had started sinking in her mind and heart.

"Cancer...Manvi...Viren Ji...", she begged him..."Viren ji, please...cancer...Manvi..." and she screamed..."NOOO", with this, the moisture was back in her eyes

She kept on screaming, howling..."Mannu and cancer", the only words that she was repeating every time followed by a strong "NO". Her body wasn't in command of her brain. Her legs seemed to have become jelly, and if not Viren holding her...she would've collapsed on the ground.

Viren's own heart sank in the deepest corner of his stomach. Jeevika's condition had made him numb...yet again...and he was clueless as to how to handle the situation. Jeevika's questioning and pleading eyes played havoc with his senses. He just couldn't see his wife like this. Every time she screamed "NO", Viren heart forgot to beat.

"Viren Ji...why are you quiet? Why aren't you saying anything? Say that its all a joke...a big, horrible joke. Please say it...say something, Viren ji.." She requested again...and turned to face him, clutched his shirt, a little beneath the collars...in both her hands and shook him with all the force she had. Her hair were disheveled, her face was panic and shock stricken, her body was fiercely trembling...as she screamed again..." SAY IT, VIREN JI...JUST SAY IT...!!"...and with this she crashed to his chest. She broke down completely, and the barriers holding the dams finally broke. The whole room resounded with her loud cries...and her repeated "NO".

Viren heaved a sigh of relief...and enveloped her completely in the circle of his arms. Finally, Jeevika was taking it out of her system...her mind had started accepting the fact...and her heart was responding to it, making tears flow from her eyes.

For a long time, she clung to him...as if her whole life depended on him. He constantly stroked her hair, saying..."don't worry...everything will be fine..."., while she kept on crying and holding on to him.

After a while...

Viren slightly detached himself from her. His one arm was around her waist...and with the other, he very gently raised her chin, so as to make her look at him. She was completely devastated...and her face perfectly depicted her inner turmoil.

Her loud cries were soft sobs now...it seemed that she didn't even have the energy to cry more...nothing was left in her...not even more tears.

Viren looked at her...and tucked the hair stuck on her cheeks, behind her ears.

She looked at him...in his eyes...but neither she, nor he...could read anything, except for gloominess, pain and worry.

"Please Jeevika...stop crying...shhh", Viren gently wiped the traces of tears from her cheeks and left a small peck on her forehead. She closed her eyes, as his lips pressed against her forehead...as if gaining some strength from him.

Viren then took her towards the couch again...holding her firmly...and made her sit there. He adjusted cushions behind her back, and took a few long steps towards a table placed in one corner of their huge room...to bring a glass of water for her.

Jeevika was lost in her thoughts..and did not notice, where he went. He came back and kneeled down in front of her.

"Take a few sips of water...come on..."

When she didn't respond...he raised the glass himself...took her to her lips...and made her drink a couple of small sips.

He then placed the glass on the table, that was kept in front of them...and lifted himself from the ground, to sit with her on the couch. He adjusted himself to face her and again took her hands in his own, and said..

"Jeevika...I know that it is extremely difficult for you. Trust me, when I got to know of this...the whole ground slipped beneath my feet. But this is all reality. Its good that we accept it...and the sooner we do, the better it is for us, as well as for Manvi..."

He felt Jeevika's hands move in his...and she also turned slightly to look at him..

With chocked voice and broken words, she spoke..."Viren ji...why this happened to my Mannu? Why...?"

Viren twitched his lips..."Jeevika...this is not in our hands. The is a stroke of destiny...and we have no other option but to accept it. Yes, there's another thing that is in our hands. We have to face this challenge with strength and bravery. Only then we would be able to fight it."

He tried to instill some confidence in Jeevika...knowing that now she would be able to see the bigger picture...as she had let go of the initial, deep shock.

"What fight, Viren ji? What are you talking...? How will we fight with CANCER? How will Mannu fight with it? God...why my Mannu?" she whined, not able to understand it all.

"Jeevika...I know Manvi very well...and I am sure that she will not let this be a one-sided fight. And it is not HER fight only...we all have an important role to play here. She needs us the most...and more than anyone else...she needs YOU, Jeevika. You have to be her strength again...and if you yourself become weak...how will you give her this strength?"

Viren's words were making sense to Jeevika now. She was gradually coming back from the state of deep shock...and her mind had started taking charge back from her heart.

"But Viren ji...why didn't anyone tell me? When did Beeji got to know of this? Does Manvi also know? Wait...i think she knows...that's why she is behaving so strange since the last couple of days. But why did they hide such a big news from me? Have I become a stranger for them after marriage...i don't have any right on them anymore now?" Her mind was wandering in all possible directions...and this was one area that had hurt her deeply.

"Its nothing like this, Jeevika. Look at it from Beeji's and Manvi's point of view. They knew that you would collapse after hearing this news. I know that they shouldn't have...and Beeji really wanted to tell you...but Manvi stopped her. You know how she is...she can bear anything and everything on her own...but can't see you in any pain or worry. I know that it's the same for you also...but she is still nave. She thought that since your married life has just started...this news would just ruin your happiness...and our new, happy life. You should be proud of her, Jeevika...she is such a strong girl. Bearing all this on her own...only someone like Manvi could do it…"

Jeevika's heart ached for her sister. The more she wanted to protect her from all sorts of problems and worries...the more she ended up in close encounters with them. And this time...it was something extremely serious and critical.

Jeevika stayed quite for a while..and then spoke...

"Viren ji...mein haar gayi. I couldn't be a good elder sister. When mamma, papa left us...I promised them that I'll take care of Mannu...that I'll never let anything bad happen to her. And throughout my life, this was my only mission...to keep the smile on Mannu's face intact...but I falied. I couldn't be a good daughter too. I'm sorry mamma, papa...I'm very sorry..." she couldn't say a word further...her voice cracked...as she looked up, as if in the sky, talking to her parents...seeking apology from them...and a few tears rolled down again on her cheeks.

Viren pressed her hands..."Jeevika, please...you have not failed anyone. This was not in your hands...you were, are and always will be Manvi's perfect sister...and this automatically makes you a very good daughter."

He took one hand on her cheek and made her look down...in his eyes, again.

"And please...no more of these tears...we can already fill a bucket or two from your tears on my shirt...so, we don't need extra water now...", he wiped the new stock off her face...and smiled his affectionate smile.

Jeevika also made a feeble attempt at smiling...but it was enough to lift Viren's spirit.

"Jeevika...I have assured the same to Beeji and Chachu also. We will consult the best doctors...will opt for the best treatment. Cancer is treatable now...there are many therapies, treatments plans...and I'm sure Manvi will respond positively to the treatment..." there was a confidence in Viren's words, that gave Jeevika an unknown hope...but her hope was short-lived

"But Viren ji...what if her cancer is in some advanced stage...and the treatment isn't possible? What if anything happens to her? I won't be able to live without her...i'll die. God...why did this happen to her? Why not me, instead...?" Despite wanting to, Jeevika's mind was stuck in all sorts of negativity...and maybe, rightly so.

"Shh...don't say all this, Jeevika. Please...sambhalo apney ap ko."...and before she could say anything, he continued...

"Beeji was saying that Dr. Mannan has aksed her to bring Manvi back to Chandigadh at the earliest, so that her treatment can start timely. If that is the case...I think, we can discuss with Dr. Mannan and he would guide us...but I'm sure that the treatment is POSSIBLE. I have seen cancer patients...and Manvi's symptoms indicate that she is in some initial stages. I don't know...but I'm very sure about this". Viren's confidence was gaining new heights...and it now gave some hope to Jeevika too.

She was quite for a while...and Viren noticed this..."What are you thinking?"

"Hmm...nothing...actually, I was thinking...cancer treatment is quite an expensive one. Will Beeji and Chachu be able to afford it? I mean...whatever is mine...it is all for my Mannu...but would that be enough too? Beeji had sold a piece of land on our wedding...and now, I don't know how will we manage Mannu's treatment?"

Viren knew what Jeevika meant. He felt a bit disappointed, but knowing her condition, he didn't want to argue with her...

"Beeji, Chachu, you...what about ME, Jeevika? Am I no one for Manvi? Isn't she MY sister also?" His voice was soft, but he was slightly hurt by Jeevika's words..and he spelled it out.

"Viren ji...I didn't mean this...",

She tried to clarify, but Viren interrupted her..."Manvi is MY sister too...and "I" will do every possible thing to ensure that there are NO hitches in her treatment, and that she get the BEST medical facilities", he spoke one word at a time...focusing on a few of them...making his point very clear to Jeevika.

Jeevika felt bad for saying that to him...but at the same time, seeing his attachment with his sister...Jeevika's heart was filled with love and pride for her husband.

"I'm sorry, Viren j, I didn't mean to..."

Viren cut her again... "actually, I'm sorry...I just lost my cool...its just that I love Manvi very much...and when you isolated me from the rest, I felt bad".

Jeevika looked down...bit her lower lip...looked up again and whispered a sorry again.

Viren's hands moved up from her hands...to gently cup her face..."Jeevika, have faith on God. Nothing bad will happen to Manvi. This is a testing time for all of us...and I'm sure that we will all emerge as winners. Manvi will be fine...she has to be fine. More than us, it is a crucial time for her...we have to ensure that her moral is always up...we have to keep her spirits high. This challenge is thrown towards us by destiny...and we have to counter and fight this together".

Jeevika nodded her head vigorously, the shine in her eyes back. Still cupping her face, Viren leaned a bit forward and touched his forehead with her's as they both closed their eyes. The storm had settled...and they knew that whatever comes next...they have each other to gain strength from.

They were lost in their world of thoughts...when a knock on the door made them drift apart.

"Come in..." Viren replied.

The door opened and to their surprise...Manvi and Virat entered the room.

Jeevika and Viren got up from the couch. Viren moved towards Virat...and Manvi towards Jeevika.

Jeevika's eyes were fixed on her sister...who in turn looked back at her. Both the men in the room could tell from the girl's faces that they had cried...Viren knew that Manvi must have fought with Virat...asking him to stop Viren from telling about her illness to Jeevika. And Virat could clearly see traces of fear and worry on Jeevika's face, showing that she had gotten the news.

Manvi reached near the couch, where Jeevika was standing...and clutched her dupatta in her hands...anticipating Jeevika's reaction. When the elder sis didn't speak anything, and just kept on looking at Manvi's face...the younger one fumbled with words…

"Di...woh...Sorry...di..."

Jeevika didn't say anything, neither could Manvi complete her sentence. Jeevika could see the pain in Manvi's eyes. She felt angry on herself...for not being with her sister when she needed her the most. As if on some cue, she stretched her arms. Manvi looked at her in shock, as she was expecting an outburst from her Di, for hiding this all from her.

But here, her sister was looking at her lovingly, with her arms stretched. Manvi took a couple of seconds, gulped the lump that had formed in her throat...and crashed to hug her sister. Jeevika held her Mannu tightly...with all the force she had...and tears made their way again on both the girl's cheeks. A lot had to be said, asked, shared...but it all could wait. At this point...they both just wanted to hold each other, assuring that no matter what happens, they will never let go of each other...and will face n fight everything together.

They cried, they sobbed...they apologized to each other...they assured that nothing will go wrong...and they will always be there for each other...all this, while tightly holding on to each other. Their hearts were finally at peace...Manvi knew that with Jeevika by her side...she could fight anything and everything. And Jeevika knew that she will not let anything happen to her sister...because she wasn't just a sister...it was her motherly instinct that instilled this confidence in her.

A few stapes away from these two...Viren and Virat heaved sighs of relief...and smiled, seeing both the sisters together. Virat saw Viren's slightly shaken demeanor...after all, his bro had a long, tiring and an extremely difficult day. So, he stretched his arm and placed it across his elder brother's shoulder and pressed it lightly. Viren looked at Virat...smiled and nodded his head, to thank him for being there for him...

They both looked back in the sisters' direction...and not to their surprise, they were still in the same posture...hugging and crying.

The moved towards them...and Viren cleared his throat, delibertately...so as to tell them..that they were not alone in the room...two other people were there...waiting for them. Jeevika and Manvi detached...and stood side by side. Manvi was still holding Jeevika's arm. Their faces telling the tale of their hearts...but this was expected by the guys.

Viren looked at his watch...and said in a very serious tone..."I'm giving you both exactly ten minutes more to cry...so cry as much as you want...because after this, these tears will be banned. And yeah...both of you get ready after these ten minutes. I'm going to take permission from Dadaji and Badi Ma...all four of us are going out for dinner..."

He then chuckled and had a "i-did-it" kind of look on his face...because he had successfully made the sisters get scared of his serious tone and expressions.

Jeevika and Manvi widened their eyes, as how easily he fooled them...

"Viren jiii..."..."Jeejuuu...", the girls said simultaneously, giving him a "you'll have to pay for this" look.

Both the brothers smiled and hi-5ed. Virat moved towards Jeevika...and said..."don't worry, Bhabhi...everything will be fine..."

Jeevika nodded her heard in affirmation and smiled.

Viren, back in his normal, soft tone said..."come on now...don't waste these precious ten minutes...we'll be back, right on time..." He smiled...they all smiled...and the brothers marched out of the room, to give the sisters privacy.

hey ayesha so far its a great story plz update part 2 as fast as u can thanks xx👍🏼

Wow!!!!! Brilliant post...👏

loved it... waiting for part 2.. pls pm me when u update...

awesome...cant wait for the virman interaction...please update soon,,,,,

You know Ayesha, reading always been a huge part of my life. My personal collection of books runs into the hundreds because whilst other kids moaned and whines for Barbies and video games, I always just wanted books. Saying that, reading really is more of a calming activity for me; I'm never really emotionally attached to whatevers been written about.

But I don't know if it's just your calibre of puttig thoughts into words or just my overall mood today, but I was actually in tears at the part where Viren comes in and shares his hurt at their planned secrecy. I mean wow, just wow; every word was completley believable. And even though I've been thoroughly against Manvi hiding the truth, you've managed to bring about a completley different perspective on that, and now I understand to an extent at why she did it.

You really do have a flair for writing; thank you for writing this, it was really needed after the shambles that the CVs have left this show in. I am eagerly waiting for the second part :)

Suprise surprise...Part 2 also updated. I know it a very long OS...so, plz bear with the length. Hope you guys enjoy...waiting for the feedback! 😳

@ simmy15297, jenna, fairyland13, miss_precious, and Sabeeha (my dear friend)...thanks a LOT guys for reading, commenting and liking my version of this whole track.

I can't wait, please continue soon !!!