Chapter 10: Ray of Hope
Bajaj and Basu family returned to Mumbai the next day. Everyone resumed to his or her normal schedule. One day, Mukti was working in a her office and Aman called her to meet her for lunch. The two ate lunch though Mukti sensed that Aman was hiding something from her. Afterwards, the cute couple walked hand in hand around the garden.
Aman: Mukti, there is something I need to tell you?
Mukti: I knew it, what is it?
Aman: I got a call from one of our agents…I think I've got a lead on Bajaj uncle's location. Hey might be in Pune.
Mukti: That's great. We should go there soon.
Aman: Actually…I think one of us should go there. I do not want to tell Chotima and get her hopes up too high. Why don't I go there and start investigating around. As soon as I get more information, I'll call you over there. Chotima needs at least one of us here at the moment.
Mukti: Okay…but come back soon. I'm going to miss you.
Aman: I'm always a heartbeat away.
Aman made an excuse an about some business work at home. At the airport, he held onto Mukti until the last call for his flight was made. While Mukti was bidding Aman farewell, a mysterious man looking at her from the corner makes a call to Prem.
Man: Mr. Prem, I am at the airport. Aman has just boarded the flight.
Prem: Excellent. Continue following, Mukti. Give me an update on where she is every hour. And make sure she does not realize that someone is following her.
Man: Okay sir.
After Prem put down the phone, Debonnita came and stood right in front of him.
Debo: Why are you spying on Mukti?
Prem: That's none of your business…you aren't my wife…in fact, here you go (hands her a pair of keys)
Debo: What are these keys for?
Prem: These keys are for your new flat.
Debo: What?
Prem: Yes in twenty four hours I want you out of my house.
Debo: All of a sudden you want to get rid of me?
Prem: Yes…because I don't want anyone here when Mukti comes in this house.
Debo: Mukti? Isn't she Aman's now?
Prem: Prem gets whatever he wants. Mukti is mine, and she will have to come to me one day. And that's none of your business anyway?
Man: Excuse me sir. I have an appointment with you.
Prem: Oh yeah. Excuse me Debonnita, but I have to speak to this interior decorator. I want this house to be the way Mukti likes it. Why don't you leave us alone and start packing.
Debonnita left for her room in frustration. Within two hours she moved into her own place. Within one week, Prem had the whole place transformed. He had the walls painted with Mukti's favorite colors and chose furniture of her choice. He had one special room with Mukti's pictures on every wall.
Chapter 11: True Love's First Test
Prem, Basu family, Bajaj family, along with other business families were invited to a party. The hosts made all the bachelors and bacheloretts wear different color ribbons. Two people with the same color ribbon had to dance together. Prem paid the hosts and got the same blue ribbon as Mukti. Everyone had put on masks, the lights were dimmed, the music started, and everyone found his or her partner. Prem pulled Mukti closer to with every step. He was hoping that she would melt in his arms, but Mukti took him by surprise.
Mukti: Prem, I don't need Aman to break your hands for trying to touch me in the wrong way…I can do it myself. So it's better for you that you stay within your limits because I really do not want to cause a scene here.
Prem: Why are you scared that you might fall in love with me all over again?
Mukti: I've made that stupidity once. I definitely do not plan on making the same mistake again. Especially since I have found true love.
Prem: Who are you kidding? You do not love that Aman.
Mukti: Who are you to determine that?
Prem: The man who truly loves you?
Mukti: So you truly love me?
Prem: Yes I do.
Mukti: Will do something for me?
Prem: Anything? All you have to do is ask?
Prem twirled her around, and the she put her arm around his neck and met his eyes through his mask.
Mukti: Will you give Chotima everything you took away from her?
Mukti felt Prem let go of her and take a few steps back. At that time the lights went on and the music ended. The other guests started mingling with each other while Prem and Mukti stood there and stared at each other. Prem was speechless: he did not know what to say. Slowly Mukti walked up to him.
Mukti: You see Prem…you don't love me. You only love yourself and money.
Prem: It's not like Aman would do the same for you.
Mukti: He already has…he gave whatever he had to Chotima so she can regain her status. You want to know what is it about him that made me fall in love with him in the first place? It's his selflessness. He puts everyone else in front of himself.
Prem was disappointed about his first attempt to win Mukti. This defeat only made him more stubborn to get her.
Chapter 12: A Birthday Wish Come True
One morning, at 2 am Mukti's phone started ringing. She drowsily answered.
Mukti: Hello?
Aman: So are you missing me?
Upon hearing Aman's voice, Mukti immediately jerked up wide awake.
Mukti: Aman, how are you? Why are you calling after so many days? Do you know how much I miss you?
Aman: Relax. I miss you to. Listen. I need you to get everyone here by Chotima's birthday.
Mukti: Why?
Aman: You'll find out soon. Now go back to sleep and dream about me.
Mukti told everyone that Aman had asked them to come there. Anurag and Sam decided to come along also. At the airport, Aman took Perna's blessings.
Perna: Bless you…why did you call us here?
Aman: You'll see come one.
In the car no one said a word. Everyone was curious to see what was on Aman's mind. He drove everyone to a beautiful farm house.
Perna: Where are we Aman?
Aman: I'll show you. Follow me.
Aman led them to the backyard. When Perna entered she heard several voices scream "Happy Birthday." In the backyard several children were standing with a birthday banner. The innocent faces bought a smile on every person's face.
Aman: This is an orphanage Chotima. I thought it would be nice if we celebrated your birthday here. Come lets cut the cake.
Perna was taken to a table where a cake with candles was already set up. Perna closed her eyes and wished to see her husband. As she slowly lifted her eyelids, she noticed a familiar figure in front of her. When she opened them completely, she couldn't believe what she was seeing. It was none other Mr. Bajaj standing exactly in front of Perna a few feet away. Perna immediately ran up to him. She observed him for some time. He hadn't changed much in five years. He wasn't wearing an expensive suit. He was wearing a beige shirt and brown pants. However, he still had the same serene smile that gave assurance. Perna touched his face for a few seconds to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Once she was sure, she immediately embraced her husband. All the adults broke into tears. Eventually, Bajaj escorted Perna back to the table and they both cut the cake together. Later everyone gathered in the main room. A foreign man who speak Hindi fluently made coffee for everyone. Finally, he took a seat and Mr. Bajaj began to tell his side of the story.
Mr. Bajaj: After leaving Mumbai, I wandered from city to city. Two years ago, I met Joseph (mystery man.) Joseph runs this orphanage, and he offered me to stay with him and help take care of the children. A few days ago, Aman found me. He told me everything that has happened. I owe my whole family an apology. I deserted you when you needed me the most. I know I can't make up for my mistakes but I want to come back and support you in this fight. Now that my wife is at my side, I can fight anything.
The whole family rejoiced that whole day. Mr. Bajaj took Perna on a tour of Pune, while Sam and Anurag went to the beach. The youngsters went shopping, while Aman and Mukti stayed behind to help Joseph. The three were outside looking over the children who were playing basketball. Suddenly, Mukti heard a soft cry from the house. She went upstairs and found that the youngest child had woken up. She picked the little girl up and started rocking her gently. Mukti asked one of the servants to get the girl's milk. In a few minutes, Mukti heard Aman's voice.
Aman: Here's the milk. The servant had to take care of a spill downstairs.
Mukti sat down and put the little girl on her lap and gave her milk. Aman sat next to Mukti and one arm around her securely. The little girl played with Mukti and Aman's fingers for some time and then fell asleep. After she was sound asleep, Mukti gently put her in her crib and the two stared at the little child.
Aman: Mukti…I would like to have a child just like her one day.
Mukti: Me too…I know you'd make a great father.
Aman: You've already shown your maternal side with this little girl.
Chapter 13: The Next Step
The next morning the whole family enjoyed a delicious breakfast after the children left for school.
Aman: Chotima, uncle I think we should get back soon.
Mr. Bajaj: You are right…but Perna and I would like to do one thing before we leave.
Aman: What is that?
Chotima: Actually, if it is okay with you, we would like to have yours and Mukti's engagement here. We can invite Anurag's family and have a small ceremony by the beach. If it's okay with the both of you.
Mukti just walked away shyly and Aman struggled to get a few words out.
Aman: As you wish.
Aman then left.
The engagement was fixed for the next day. Within a few years, the gazebo had been decorated, Anurag's family arrived, and the shopping was done.
All the men reached the beach first. Aman was wearing a black suit, and he was waiting on the gazebo. Afterwards, all the ladies arrived. Finally, Mukti came out of a nearby building escorted by Sneha. She looked gorgeous in the simple dress that she was wearing.
Aman could not take his eyes off of her. She made her way to the gazebo and stood in front of Aman. The two exchanged rings. Everyone went to a dance floor that was set up right behind the gazebo. Aman and Mukti had a chance to dance solo then all the couples joined them. Afterwards, the DJ played some fast music and all the children started dancing. After a long time, Perna was glad to see her world back together. Her husband was with her. Her family was rising again, and her daughter had finally found true love.
Edited by leomp - 19 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
