Chapter 15
At Pragya’s House
Pragya and Sarita Behen come back after shopping and look into their shopping bags, admiring the outfits they’ve bought. Sarita Behen picks up each item, smiling.
"This is my saree… This one is yours… This sherwani is for my dear Rishi… and this pink sharara is for your little daughter, Shahana… And this lehenga—" She suddenly pauses, surprised. "Wait, Pragya! Why do you have two lehengas for Prachi?"
Pragya gently takes both lehengas in her hands, a nostalgic smile on her face. "There are two, but they’re not both for Prachi."
Sarita Behen looks at her curiously. "Then who is the other one for?"
Pragya’s eyes soften. "For every one of Prachi’s birthdays and every festival, I’ve always bought two sets of dresses—one for Prachi, and one for her twin sister, my other daughter."
Sarita Behen is taken aback. "You haven’t seen her for so many years, yet you’ve continued to buy gifts for her? But you’ve never had the chance to give them to her…"
Pragya’s voice carries a new excitement. "This Diwali, I will. I’m going to meet her, Sarita Behen."
Sarita Behen gasps. "What? So that’s why your husband came yesterday! He wants to reunite with his family, doesn’t he?"
Pragya laughs, nodding. "Yes, Sarita Behen. This Diwali, my family will finally be complete."
Sarita Behen hesitates. "But Pragya… you haven’t met your other daughter for so many years. Do you think she’ll like your choice? Will she even accept your gift?"
Pragya’s smile turns wistful. "I’m sure she has the same likes and dislikes as her father. That’s why I chose this classic lehenga for Prachi and a more modern one for her."
Before Sarita Behen can respond, Shahana calls out from the other room. "Maasi! Prachi is home! Come, show us the dresses!"
Pragya and Sarita Behen exchange a joyful glance before heading to the hall with the outfits.
At Abhi’s House
Rhea throws her arms around Abhi. "Dad, I’m so happy! You arranged my Europe trip and are hosting a grand Diwali party at our house!"
Then, remembering Priyanka’s plan, she adds, "Dad, I really think you should invite Prachi’s mom and her family to the party. After all, she has done a lot for me."
Abhi, caught off guard, nods. "Okay, fine."
Rhea smirks. "Great! Let me call her." She quickly dials Pragya’s number.
At Pragya’s House
Shahana and Prachi are delighted as they admire their Diwali dresses.
"Wow, Maasi! This is beautiful! You’re the best Maasi in the world! Thank you so, so much!" Shahana exclaims, hugging Pragya.
Pragya smiles warmly. "I’m glad you like them. Now, fold them neatly and keep them in the bags. You’ll be wearing them tomorrow, right?"
The girls carefully place the dresses back into their bags and hand them to Pragya.
"Let me help you put these away, Ma," Prachi offers. "I’ll freshen up in the room too."
Pragya nods, and they head inside. As soon as they enter, Pragya’s phone rings. Since she’s still holding the bags, she gestures to Prachi. "Can you pick it up?"
Prachi grabs the phone and answers, just as Rhea hands it to Abhi on the other end.
"Hello," Abhi says.
Prachi, startled to hear his voice, responds, "Hello, Mr. Mehra. Is everything alright?"
Pragya looks on, curious.
Abhi explains, "As I mentioned in the office, we’re hosting a Diwali party tomorrow. I’d like you and your family to be there."
Prachi’s face lights up. "Of course, sir! We’ll be there."
But Pragya’s smile falters. "If we attend Mr. Mehra’s party, how will I introduce you to your father and reunite with my other daughter?"
Noticing her mother’s worried expression, Prachi asks, "Ma, is something wrong?"
Pragya hesitates. "We already have another invitation. I had promised to attend."
Prachi’s face falls. "Oh, I’m sorry, Ma! I didn’t know. It’s okay—we can go to Mr. Mehra’s party first, greet everyone, and then leave for the other event. Does that work?"
Pragya nods. "Alright."
Prachi grins. "I’ll go inform everyone."
As she walks out, her mind starts racing. "I’m happy that Ma will finally meet her whole family… but I’m still worried about Shahana. If she, Rishi, and Priyanka come face to face at Mr. Mehra’s house, things could get dangerous. I need to do something."
In the hall, she announces the invitation. Everyone is excited—except Rishi. He grows tense and quickly follows Pragya back to her room.
"Maasi, what do we do now?" he asks anxiously. "We can’t stop Priyanka and Shahana from crossing paths, and you know what could happen!"
Pragya sighs. "I know, Rishi. But what choice do we have? No one besides us knows the truth about the false molestation charges she filed against you… or how obsessive she is."
Rishi clenches his fists. "Then what’s the plan, Maasi?"
Pragya thinks for a moment before responding. "Since Prachi and I have to leave for another event after Mr. Mehra’s party, we can use that to our advantage. I’ll make it seem as if you and Shahana won’t be attending. You two should come later with Sarita Behen. And Rishi—stay close to Shahana. Don’t let her out of your sight."
Rishi nods firmly. "Got it, Maasi."
Pragya silently prays, "God, please protect my children. Let this festival of lights bring only joy into their lives."
At Disha’s Office
Disha sits at her desk, lost in thought. Purab’s words keep echoing in her mind.
"Why is he suddenly asking about Sunny after all these years? He never once tried to find out how we were doing… so why now?"
Just then, Hritik enters. Before he can speak, Disha snaps, "What now? If you’re here for one of your silly pranks, I’m not in the mood!"
Hritik raises his hands defensively. "Whoa! Why do you always pounce on me like a tiger hunting its prey? Relax, I have a surprise for you."
Disha frowns. "What surprise?"
Just then, Sunny walks in.
Disha’s eyes widen, and she rushes to him. "Sunny! Oh my God! When did you come? You didn’t even tell Mamma!"
Sunny sighs. "What’s the use, Mamma? Every year, I know you won’t be here for Diwali."
Disha’s smile fades.
Sensing the tension, Sunny quickly changes the subject. "But guess what? Your son is officially employed now!"
Disha’s eyes light up. "Really? That’s the best Diwali gift ever!"
Sunny grins. "And after Diwali, we’re going to stay together."
Disha’s heart swells with emotion. "Where did you get the job?"
Sunny smirks. "That’s a small surprise for later."
Hritik interrupts, "Disha, we’re getting late! We have to leave now."
Disha hugs Sunny once more. "Take care, okay?"
As she leaves, Sunny watches her go, his expression darkening.
"Maa stays away from this city every Diwali to avoid painful memories… but Mr. Purab Khanna, I’ll make sure you feel every ounce of the pain she went through. And I’ll do it through your son, Aryan."
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To be continued
12