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From the ashes the pheonix rises.
"You did it! Astha you did it! "Gauri screamed at the top of her lungs.
No we did it Gauri we did it! squealed Astha with a sudden glimpse of real emotion,
"I haven't seen Astha let her true self show since that day"Gauri thought to herself that slip of emotion brings back so many memories.no sooner did she see it she saw Astha slip back into her mask of icy indifference and that steely glaze...
As they rounded the corner of Capitol Hill they were assaulted with reporters "ms.Khiloskar / ms. Sachindev did you think that the bill would be passed today? how many revisions did you have to do? As an woman what does this victory mean to you? who would you dedicate this victory to?
That was the question that caught Astha's attention she replied
My victory is for each and every woman from the fetus to the little girl playing on her mothers lap my victory is the strength each woman posses young or old..and I dedicate this to my parents my Ayyi/Babba and Ajju that taught me my inner worth my potential my self respect that any woman can achieve anything as long as she has faith courage and people who believe in her... Thank you God she prayed silently casting a quick glance at the heaven's..
"No more question's" said the media aide as he shuffled them out to an exit.
Astha I'll see you tomorrow at the Indian delegation ? asked Gauri.
I'll see.you know Angel and Nav.. I'll have to figure out something I'll call you later ok? said Astha as she climbed in to the waiting chauffeured car.
Maam ? khaha ? said Sam
Ghar chalo please..
Aiyyyi Mamma !!!! screamed Angel and Nav as they saw her open the door Kalindi running behind them saying "tumhare Ayyi ko ander ane to doh! Astha Ayyi karne doh my bachhe come to mamma as she opened her arms and hugged and kissed them till they said "mamma chorye na? too much mamma.. she looked at them 5 years already my how much they've grown Nav with his bold dark eyes (he looks just like him but happy go lucky like the Astha before and Anjali looked just like her but her bossy characteristic just like her father..
Kalindi "Astha ruko mein thali latti hoon ! Babba "Shabash meri bacchi mera sar aur kitna fakher say ooncha karogi? said as he dropped a kiss on her head Ajju called from behind him "Aaa meri bacchi gale lag ..
Little did she know the toofan that was coming her way.. (there are a few part which are written in Chapter 1 from the precap but I wanted to give a feel and depth to the character as who she was and who she became)😊
Chapter 1
Today was one of the biggest days in Astha's life. A lot of work and sweat she had put in this to change history with her family and best friend behind her it was long journey nearing its end she could almost taste the sweetness of success, Professor James her mentor gently nudged her snapping Astha out of her thoughts "Your bill was sent 10 days ago will find out soon enough if the President signed it".
Those last few days was the hardest, she had started this fight for women's equality a few years back with each reading and review and passing it up to the next level of reading it felt like an eternity.
"Bill S73421 presented to The President has been signed it is law recognized under U.S. A." read the house representative. The legislature broke out in applause!!!
Astha almost lost her icy determination as a tear tried to form but she composed herself, as Gauri screamed in happiness beside her. She almost slipped with her emotions out in public "not today Astha not today" she kept telling herself she could feel Gauri's eyes on her as she quickly put on the wall she had built around her.
Astha could barely remember the questions asked and the one she answered to the reporters all she could think of was getting back home to her loved ones.
As she opened the door of the house her wall of indifference crumbled with the patter of tiny feet running towards her screaming ayyi mamma squeezing her heart and exploding into a fury of love for her adorable but somewhat mischievous twins Anjali and Navin, "Angel Nav I missed you so much!!!!" said Astha showering them with kisses. Kalindi running behind them her Ayyi beautiful as ever her rock, Baba her strength and Ajju her confidant. They showered her with praises and blessings she cried with happiness on the inside but not a single tear shed from her beautiful doe eyes.
Kalindi jao moh meetha karawo" said Ajju "Ha abhi latti hu ayyi "she went and grabbed the tray of ladoos and brought them out as soon as Astha saw them she took a deep breath all she remembered was him eating ladoo at her house she quickly looked down as Kalindi saw the pain in her eyes she spoke " Astha go freshen up and we'll sit and talk bachho mamma ko jane do phir hum moh meetha karenge. Astha mamma unko anedoh it's been almost a day since I saw them come on baccho chalo as she smiling took each of their hands into hers and walked off with them.
As Astha left Kalindi couldn't stop herself "Ous din she usne aik ansoo nahi bahay meri beti jo pareshani ya khushi me apna feelings khul ke share karti thi ab toh khushi me bhi ankh nam nahi hone deti" (From that day onwards she hasn't shed a single tear my daughter who would cry at the drop of a hat when she was happy or sad, won't even let her eyes become wet with emotion at her biggest victory")
Baas karo Kalindi dil mat chota karo Babba sab theek kardegav Astha sunn legi Jo ho gaya so hogay ab dekho kinti himmat hai humari beti mein who akeli ayyi America hame bulaya usne social work kiya law degree lee aur aaj usne fakher seh hamara sar aur ooncha kardiya besaharo ko sahara diya, aaj ka din toh khushiyo ka he me tumhari fikr ko samajhta hu but aaj ka din ...Adhvoot said quietly.(Kalindi not today let it be Astha might over hear you, Look at all that she accomplished she came to America by herself she sponsored us she finished her social degree got appointed to the bar (Law) and today she fulfilled her destiny by helping those who have no one today is a day only for happiness only happiness..)
"kehte hai ke joh hota who acche ke liyeh hota hain yeh sab ooper wala ka khel hain who sab theek karega" said Ajju from behind chalo khana tayaar karlo..
What will be the toofan entering Athas life?...
Chapter 2
Agnihotri Family
Meanwhile about a month ago in India there was an article about a young Indian woman who had made her mission to draft a new law for legislation, Chacha read out the headline at the breakfast table where everyone was present "Yeh dekho Kavya beta tum bhi is ladki ki tarah banna dekho kitna accha kaam karahi hai" Zor se read karo hum bhi sune" said Dada(niranjan) as chacha started reading "Aaj ke zamane mein bohat kum log milte hai jo aurat ki equality aur un ke saath humdardi karne wala mile leykin is zamane me bhi aise nari uthe hai jo kamzoro ko sahara deti hai bezabaan ki awaaz banti hai jisne ja ke U.S.A. ki senate se new bill aurato ki maan samman aur rakhsha ke liye pass karwane ke liye lagatar 3 saal se mehnat karrahi hai woh hamari desh ki hi ek nari hai Chacha stopped and whispered incredulously Social activist/Lawyer Astha Khiloskar..Shloks head snapped up everyone looked shocked "Kahi woh hamari Astha to nahi hai?" Ayyi said with hope. *(Kavya when you grow up be just like this young lady she's a role model for sure! "Read it to us"said Dada "In today day and age you will find very few people who stand up for women's right and equality people who understand and sympathize of what they are going through, but even now you will find courageous women who take a stand and help the weak and give a voice to those who can't speak up for themselves such as this young lady that had been working tirelessly for the last 3 years to pass a bill in the Senate for equality and protection for women's rights she's a girl from our own country social activist/Lawyer Astha Khiloskar)
Shlok grabbed the newspaper threw down his napkin and stormed out of the dining room.is it her?!!! really her? could it be after all these years of searching for her could it be, it sounded just like her! trying to make the world a better place for everyone else always sacrificing herself for others.
Get Suresh on the phone now!!! He screamed into his cellphone."Suresh speaking" I think we found her!! Get your men on it and find out ASAP I want some information by tonight!" Shlok collapsed on the bed wearily. He looked around the bedroom it had no signs of her he had all her stuff put away, but everywhere he looked all he saw was reminders of her and his big empty bed which he no longer slept in as it reminded him of her. Her beautiful hair splayed out on the pillows her trusting eyes piercing him to the very core her soft sighs and laughter that drove him mad, he lost everything when she left.
He went to her parent's house they knew nothing her friends and the aunties at the ashram nobody knew anything Gauri her best friend wouldn't even speak to him he tried looking for her but no luck, when he went back a few months later to her parent's house the neighbours told him they left in a hurry at night and no one knew where they had gone Gauri too had left. He picked up the pieces of his life and managed to get by but every day of those 6 years not a day had gone by when he didn't think of her or looked for her face in a crowd. "Astha's Babba let it be her please let it be her" Shlok prayed silently.
Anjali knocked on the door "Baba's calling you Shlok" tell him I'm coming Ayyi" Everyone in the family was praying silently let it be her, let it be our Astha! Niranjan went straight to the prayer room to ask God to put right what he had wronged to forgive him and to return his sons true love to him, that little wisp of a girl had brought them all together made them see the injustice and corrected it with love. If he had been a better father none of this would have happened, he bowed his head in shame. Shlok had forgiven him but he couldn't meet his eyes anymore he felt a hand on his shoulder "Baba we'll find her" said Varadh. He looked at Astha picture that Baba had put in the prayer room everyday he looked at it and asked for forgiveness and prayed for her happiness and safety. Shlok came Baba you called "Find her and bring her back I want our parivaar to be complete".
Suresh called him back nothing yet but will let you know as soon as I can he promised...
Meanwhile in Washington
In Astha's room the twins were jumping on the bed she joined in with them "so how was school today?" she asked. Mamma today Angel and me were playing soccer and these boys started saying that girls don't know how to play and boys are better but I told them Ayyi that boys and girls are both good they were laughing but Angel showed them she had 2 goals!!! Nav said while jumping up and down. Mamma what Nav said was right? asked Angel. Astha looked at them with awe you two are so right anything a boy can do a girl can do both are strong you just have to believe in yourself, when they spoke like that it reminded Astha of him and her resolve that she did the right thing by leaving...
"Astha chalo khana tayaar hai" kalindi called. "Come on kid's chalo". Round the table they sat eating and talking the ringing of Astha's phone caught Kalindis attention" its Gauri phone beta as she handed it over to her. "Hey Gauri what's up? Good news bring the whole family to the Indian Delegation they just called me and they want you to say a few words so tomorrow at 7 then? Fine we'll be there."replied Astha.
As Astha prepared for the party Ayyi came in Astha wear your red sari you look lovely in it. Jee Ayyi Mama mera headband pehnado "Anjali said. "Nav you look so handsome just like your...trailed off Astha
"Chalo let mama get ready" kalindi ushered the kids out. Astha reached for the red sari overwhelmed with emotion she hugged it tightly, a rush of memories flooded her what a beautiful night it had been the clinking of her red bangles the thin intricate gold chain circled around her petite waist the beautiful anklets Shlok had wrapped around her delicate ankles such a beautiful night she gave her everything her soul her body her love, only to be betrayed...
What surprises will this night bring for Astha?
Chapter 3
"Silly girl "Astha silently chided herself, you're still stuck in the past it's time to move forward now, the world is yours you have proven yourself worth not only to yourself but to the world!, a woman is not subordinate but equal to any man, enough of this self-pity time to take your destiny in your hand and embrace it. She smiled into the mirror convincingly as if to mask her own doubts. "Beta jaldi karo Sam bahar intezaar karraha hai" Baba called from the door. I'm coming Baba! At least one thing she knew for sure she was never late for anything anymore!
As they entered the venue they were ushered to their table Gauri was already there, Astha you look gorgeous! Gauri said. You look gorgeous too Mrs. Scott Astha teased her friend Hi David! You better be careful make sure no one tries stealing your beautiful wife from you, Astha said teasingly to Gauris husband they were made for each other they met in law school in the final year and were inseparable since then, you could see the love they shared and mutual respect they had for one another. "No chance of that happening I've made sure of that in the prenup! David replied jokingly. Stop it! Gauri replied laughingly yep he's tied to me forever for saat janam!" Anyways are you ready with your speech sorry for the late notice, "Its fine I can handle it" said Astha determinedly. Ayyi you'll look after them? I'm going to go greet some people, and you two bacche better be on your best behaviour said Astha looking at Anjali & Nav. We will mamma they said in union.
"Ms.Khiloskar/ Ms.Sachindev a few people would like to meet you from the delegation before the actual event starts please if you don't mind" said the aide, as he took them to the private waiting room where the VIP's were busy wining and making business connections, As Astha entered she fell a shiver the same kind when she felt him nearby. Gauri saw her tense up she squeezed her hand reassuringly Astha took a deep breathe composing herself. He's not here of course not! How can he be he doesn't know where you are Astha assured herself. As they reached the group in the middle Astha was introduced to the Honorable Sonia Ghandi they spoke quietly about her work and was asked if she would like to come down to India to help head up some projects they have in the works regarding women's rights & equality she said we have a couple of organizations who are very dedicated to these issues and are working diligently to improve their lives.
Ms. Sonia's P.A. took down Asthas information and setup an appointment Astha felt as she was being watched that same shiver assaulted her, get a grip Astha! Get a grip it's just nerves. She scanned the room she thought she saw someone from the corner of her eye he looked just like him shaking her head she looked again it wasn't him what is wrong with you!
Quietly in the corner he was waiting apprehensively before he even saw her he felt her presence, he saw that look the same one reserved for him when she felt him that sensual shiver she would feel he was thunderstruck at her beauty she looked the same that creamy complexion beautiful doe eyes the red Sari it sent his blood rushing and his hormones racing he couldn't take his eyes off of her, he quickly excused himself he saw her scanning the room that magnetic pull between them still ever present. I need some air he thought to himself as he walked out to the patio leading into the gardens, he sat down on the bench.
He heard the laughter of children being entertained in the tent setup for the invitee's children he looked over the railing looking at the antics inside the tent there was a clown, a magician entertaining them he watched longingly at the scene, how much he wanted some of his own to spoil and play with, "Chalo baccho under chaleteh hai (come on kids lets go inside) he heard someone speaking hindi and the kids replying back in his mother tongue great parents he thought even living in America still they taught their children their language. It was dark he couldn't make out their faces he saw them climbing up the steps the little girl missed a step he moved forward to help he stopped as he came face to face with Kalindi Sasubai they both looked at each other with shock and disbelief... Kalindi prayed don't let him see them she tried to pull the kids behind her but the twins poked their faces from behind her Nanni kya huwa? Shlok and Kalindis eyes met just before he looked down towards the little voices...
Chapter 4
As Shloks eyes travelled down to see who was speaking he caught a glimpse of a little head wrapped in a pretty pink headband just then heard someone calling his name he felt a hand on his shoulder turning him around to greet him annoyed at the intrusion but ever dutiful he complied with niceties, by the time he looked back Kalindi had rushed past him. Shlok was still wondering about the little voices he heard did I hear them correctly did they say nani? Whose children were they? Are they Astha's children? Did she remarry no she couldn't she is still married to me she's mine!!! he thought fiercely, his jaw tightened at the thought of another man touching her having children with her No! He clenched his hands scanning the crowd for Kalindi.
Kalindi seized this opportunity to quickly usher the kids away from Shlok into the patio doors and into the main hall. She was almost out of breath dragging the children with her as she reached the table Adhvoot ji she managed to spat out he's here!! Adhvoot seeing his wife pale and trembling koun? Koun? Kalindi batawo?*(who? Who's here? Kalindi tell me? ) Shlok! She whispered quietly, hoping the children wouldn't overhear. Ayyi chalo hame yaha sein abhi jana hoga" Adhvoot said. *(Mom lets go we have to leave immediately) "mein to kahi nahi jaoungi Astha abhi bolne wali hai mujhe sunna hai" *(I don't want to leave I want to listen to Asthas speech) We can't just leave Adhvoot ji Astha bohot pareshan ho jayegi me Gauri ko dhoond ke laati hoon tab tak aap baccho ko busy rakhey taake Shlok na dekh le.( we just can't leave, not like this if Astha finds out she will be worried we'll have to figure something out, let me go find Gauri till then keep the children out of sight. As Kalindi quickly went looking for Gauri Adhvoot took them to viewing area trying to make it an adventure for them but in his heart he was fighting his conscience after all Shlok was the father he had every right to know the exsistence of his children but at the same time his daughters pain and the injustices she suffered at his hand made it almost impossible for him to see reason.
As Kalindi found Gauri and quickly told her what had transpired Gauri went deathly pale recovering from shock she took charge and with the help of the aide found a private viewing area for them she took Ajju and Kalindi, Adhvoot and the children, after getting them settled inside she told them I'll make up an excuse to Astha why you were given this room let her finish her speech and then we'll tell her, stay here till one of us come to get you and don't let the children out of your sight, Gauri instructed.
Ajju caught on to what had happened she was tense and wringing her hands in frustration, "Ayyi shant ho jawo bacche dekh ra he hain" (mom please calm down the children are looking) said Adhvoot.
The program had started Astha couldn't shake that feeling of being silently watched, Calm your nerves she told herself repeatedly. Gauri seemed worried as she came to stand beside Astha. Are you ok you seem anxious Gauri? Where's the family I can't see them? Astha asked. "I'm fine just nervous for you! Oh and your parents they got a private viewing area VIP section. Gauri lied.
After a few speeches it was Astha's turn. She commanded the mike and captured the audience's attention, passionately speaking of her fight for women equality her experiences and struggle to change history she gave it her all, she concluded by dedicating her work to her parents Ajju Nav and Angel she said it with such love you could feel it. Shlok was quietly listening to her speak she was on fire confident witty commanding and womanly but something was amiss her aura of innocence was no longer present he knew in his heart he was responsible for that, her voice to his ears was like the calm after the storm, he hated himself more than ever for hurting her but was so proud of his love and her accomplishments as he heard the last two names who were they? He thought jealously.
He made his way to the back of the stage it was dark and shadowy he hid in the shadows hiding his sorrow he needed to be near her his heart craved her nearness as Astha left the podium and went backstage he could see her hesitantly walking in the dark she felt his presence he could tell, as she passed by him he whispered mera pyaar no sooner did he say that Shlok melted into the shadows, Astha let out a whimper she bolted out of the dark corridor she ran into Gauri her eyes wild she simply said "he's here!".
Astha hated the dark even now at this age walking into darkness terrified her no matter how hard she tried battling her demons this was one of them she could not control. As she stepped off the podium and retreated backstage she felt that shiver passing through, all her senses were on alert she smelled the faint smell of cologne it smelled just like him she thought , she could sense his nearness Astha get a grip woman stop torturing yourself, humiliated that he still could make her feel like this and that took over some silly notion in her head, he's not here the darkness is playing tricks on your mind, she stepped gingerly into the darkened corridor she heard someone whisper mera pyaar his nickname for her she bolted, running straight into Gauri. He's here! She said. One look at Gauris ashen face and she knew he had found her.
Panicked she asked where are my children? As soon as she slipped with her emotions Astha quickly recovered and once again her fear was replaced with icy determination. Gauri told her what had happened, he didn't see them your parents are there with them sab theek hai! Don't worry kuch nahi hoga" said Gauri. I'm not worried about myself but my bacche I don't want them finding out this way. "I'm going to send Kunal to stay with you and escort you around" Gauri called behind her. I'm not a weakling retorted Astha I can take care of myself I'm going up to see Ayyi and I'll be back soon.
As Astha made her way to the private viewing booths she knew the day had come to stop running and face her demons once and for all. As she entered the mood was sombre the children were oblivious as they stared at each other's faces. "Ayyi Baba Aap bacche ko lekar ghar challo mein baad me aati hoon aur baccho Nanni aur Ajju ko mat satana ghar ja ke brush karna or jaldi sojana I love you" she said as she hugged them both. *(Ayyi and baba take the children and go home I'll come later make sure you brush your teeth and go to sleep on time and don't give Nanni and Ajju a hard time I love you guys) "Mamma you were super! Superwoman! Nav said while giving her a toothless smile. You two are my secret powers." Astha said while holding them close.
Baba dropped a kiss on her head "Sambahl ke beta soch samajhe ke baat karna tumhara gussa kaboo mein rakhna ham ne hamesha tumahara sath diya aur hamesha deyteh rahenge agar tum kaho to me Ayyi aur Ajju ko bhejh deta hu mein tere sath rahoonga,( Be careful think before you speak and keep your anger in check we have always supported you and will continue doing so, if you want I'll send your mom and grandma home and I'll stay with you. "He said with love.
Nahi Baba me janti thi kai yeh din aaj nahi toh kal ayega, ab har mushkil ka to samna kar chuki hu eik aur sahi, Astha said with steely reserve. (No Baba I knew this day would come I've had to confront many demons what's one more)
After she sent them home with Sam Astha turned around to find Kunal waiting at the entrance for her, "Let's go my darling he joked extending his hand towards hers as she extended hers to hold his the same shiver raced through her, with her heart racing she looked past Kunal her eyes collided with Shloks piercing ebony ones...
Chapter 5
Kunal grabbed Astha hand and enveloped her into a hug over his shoulder their eyes held Astha could see his fury but what she couldn't see was his hurt hiding behind them ,those eyes pierced her soul, she wasn't unaffected it took all of her strength to stay calm and not bolt. She saw Shlok angrily walking towards them and she felt his hand on her arm pulling them apart. "Hello Shlok" Astha said calmly that belied her inner turmoil. He stood there glaring "Get your hands off my wife!!" He bellowed. "Excuse me! Who's this Astha? I think you're mistaken I'm Kunal Astha's...Kunal started to say. Angrily Shlok tore his gaze from Asthas "I don't care who you are! I'm her husband!!!" he growled.
As their eyes met and held he wanted to run to her and pick her up and hold her and never let her go, but just then the other guy was touching her!! Touching his Astha! Shlok couldn't hold back and he strode toward Astha and her companion he wanted to rip his hands off of her it took every inch of self-control not to pound him he burst out "Get your hands of my wife!!" he must of said something but all Shlok could think of was Astha.
Shocked Kunal turned to Astha who said give me a few minutes Kunal let me sort this out. You sure? I'll stay if you want me to? He asked with concern. "No it's alright I got this" She replied.
Astha grabbed Shloks arm it burned him when she touched him, she felt a jolt, a warmth rose in her, Shlok took a deep breath and tried to calm himself Oh God her little touch had made his heart pound and sent him into a frenzy what would happen if she kissed him he thought . Astha led him to a room.
"How are you Shlok? Astha asked, how am I? HOW AM I!!!!! He shouted. Look I don't want a scene! Shlok not today" Astha said calmly. "Scene!!!!! You don't want a scene!!!! You left me 6 years ago without a word and an explanation and you're asking me how I am!!!! Shlok retorted. How dare you!!! He shouted.
"Shlok What!!!? How Dare I?!!!! Look this is not the place nor the time to have this conversation if you wish to speak with me it will be on my own terms and my rules, I'm not having this conversation here. Astha said stiffly.
NO!! He shouted. We're going to have this conversation here and now!
"No! Shlok you don't get to decide when and what I do anymore, you lost that right many years ago". Astha said icily. Shlok clenched his hands his vein was throbbing at his temple he wanted to shake her make her see how much he missed her, but he knew if he pushed her she would leave once again and this time he didn't think he could keep it together. "Fine you let me know when and where I'll be there" He snarled. He took a step towards her he saw her take a step back her face softened for the tiniest second before she blinked it back he leaned in close and whispered "mera pyaar". He handed her a card here's my number call me when you're ready to talk.
Astha collapsed on the chair as soon as he left she prayed Bappa help me give me strength, I'm going to need it more than ever. Gauri ran in after he left" you ok?" She asked. "I've been better" Astha replied. I need to get home Ayyi and Baba will be worried.
Sam was waiting for her with the car Gauri sent her off with a promise to call if she needed anything, I mean it anything at all call me. I will Astha promised. Ayyi Baba & Ajju were waiting anxiously for her Kya huwa beta? Astha hugged Ayyi tightly "Ayyi he wants to meet with me" "What do you want to do?" Baba asked. Did he see the children? "No he didn't mention anything I need to tell the kids first before I tell him." said Astha. They were all quiet lost in their thoughts finally Ajju spoke up Ja ke aaram kar subah mein baat karenge. (go rest we'll talk about this in the morning)
Astha made her way to the children's room she dropped a kiss on their heads sleeping peacefully so sweet and innocent such unconditional love and joy they gave her, how will they react when I tell them about their father she thought sadly. Astha tried to sleep but it eluded her tossing and turning finally she couldn't take it no more , she went to the armoire and on the top shelf there was a box, a box filled with unfulfilled broken dreams, dreams that she dared to dream and believed in. She took it down as she opened the box her green wedding bangles and mangalsutra clinked inside mockingly, she gingerly took out her album filled with pictures of a young nave Astha, one that loved unconditionally and believed in true love. Little did she know her love was only one sided and that Shlok was just taking revenge, her eyes burned with unshed tears as she thought back to that year and fateful night...
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