AnuPre FF:Game Plan-Part 46 & 47 - Page 16

Part 25 : A storm called Prerna

Promo

"I don't understand, tum itni bewakoof kaise ho sakti ho, Prerna", Mohini said angrily,"Kya tum apne bachche se pyaar nahi karti?Tum ek mamooli si, middle class ghar ki college drop out ho, tumhara koi ambition nahi hai, job nahi hai, tumhe phir bhi lagta hai ki mere Onu ke saath ke bina tum iss bachche ko achchi zindagi de paogi?"

Recap: "Itna kuch Jaan ne ke baad, I don't think ke main ab Basu Bari reh sakti hu",Prerna said.

Chapter 25.1: Apocalypse

Prerna's words stunned Anurag. It's true this was what he had been fearing but little did he think imagine things to go this far. Desperately, Anurag grabbed her hands,"Yeh tum kya keh rahi ho?Prerna itni si galat faimi ki liye tum ghar chhordogi?!Hum baithke baat karte hai na.Aao-". Prerna shook her hands off,"Nahi!Tum kyu nahi samaj rahe ho Anurag ke humara rishta abhi bhi naya hai. Jo kuch bhi hua, aur jo kuch tumne past mein kiya uske wajah se mera ab tumpar pehle jaisa vishwas nahi raha. Mujhe waqt lagega wapas tumpe pehle jaise bharosa karne ke liye. Aur Kakimoni aur bhabi ke iss plan ne toh banti huyi baat ko aur bigaad diya hai. Main yaha nahi aana chahti thi, lekin phir bhi mujhe dhoke se yaha laya gaya. Agar bhabi aur Kakimoni aisa nahi karte to shayad hum abhi ek nahi hote, aur yeh baat tum bhi maante ho!". Anurag tried to reason with her,"Haan, Prerna iss baat ko main bhi maanta hu, lekin unke kiye ki sazaa tum mujhe kyu de rahi ho?Maine kya kiya hai?!(his eyes tearing up)Meri kya galti thi?". Prerna shook her head,"Tumhari koi galti nahi hai Anurag, sivaaye iske ke humare past ki wajah se main tumpe ab vishwas nahi kar sakti.(holding his hands in hers)Trust me Anurag main bohot koshish kar rahi hu tumpe trust karne ki, lekin nahi kar pa rahi hu. Kyuki iske pehle bhi tumne mujhse baatein chhupayi hai, humari zindagi ke faisle tumne akele liye hai, Komolika se pyar ka jhoota natak kiya hai taaki main tumhe bhool jau. Toh iss baat ki kya guarantee ke mujhe wapas paane ke liye tumne yeh sab nahi karaya hai? Aur waise bhi Kakimoni toh mujse nafrat karti hai, mujhe tumhare layak bhi nahi samajti hai, aur tum keh rahe ho, ke bina tumhare bole woh itna karengi sirf mujhe iss ghar mein wapas laane ke liye?...I am sorry Anurag, main nahi maan sakti !".Saying this, Prerna turned around and left the room.

As Prerna stormed out of the room, Anurag ran after her, calling her,"Prerna wait!".

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Hyperventilating, Prerna avoided Anurag's pleas to stop. Now was not the time, she thought, she needed to get out of Basu Bari, away from Anurag, away from her overbearing mother-in-law's schemes to sort out her emotions. Prerna was about to reach the stairs when Anurag blocked her way. "Anurag, mera raasta chhoro!",she commanded. He replied,"Chhordunga, but please pehle meri baat sunlo.". He took her hand, and led her to the nearest room, hoping to talk to her in private. The moment Prerna entered the room the smell of fresh paint engulfed her nostrils making her feel nauseous. Yeh toh west wing le aaya, she realised. She looked around and realized that the there were two buckets of paint lying on the floor- one blue and one pink. The lid on both the buckets was half open, filling the entire room with a strong smell of fresh paint. Watching her eye the paints Anurag said, "Main iss room ko humare honewaale bachche ka kaamra banane waala tha. Socha tha ki aaj main tumse color scheme ke baare mein poochh lunga.". Inspite of her anger, Prerna felt his words tug at her heart. Anurag started to speak"Look I know-", but before he could say any further, Prerna rushed out of the room. Worried he ran after her. Prerna hurried into the nearest bathroom, and vomited her guts out. Washing her mouth, Prerna gave a tired sigh. Oh God, she thought, yeh bachcha toh meri jaan leke maanega.She heard Anurag's voice outside the bathroom door, "Prerna!Are you okay?"he said. Prerna came out of the bathroom. Anurag was standing right outside with a worried expression on his face. "Kya hua?Main doctor ko bulaau?",he said. Prerna shook her head,"Aisi koi baat nahi hai, woh actually mujhe fresh paint ki smell se allergy hai....".As Prerna said this, something struck her mind. Arre nahi Prerna Onu west wing mein nahi so sakta usse bhi fresh paint ki smell se allergy hai....kyu na...tum aur Onu uske kamre mein reh jaao..waise bhi do din ki toh baat. Ek baar Tapur ka kamra theek ho jaaye tum wapas waha chali jana, Mohini Basu's words rung in her ears as if she had just spoken them. Confused, Prerna thought, Mujhe toh uss room mein jaake hi ulti aa gayi thi,...aur Shivi?teen-chaar din purane paint ka smell soongke hi uski chheeke shuru ho gayi thi, toh phir Anurag abhi tak kaise theek hai? Accepting a glass of water from Anurag, Prerna asked curiously,"Waise tum theek ho?". Anurag answered baffled,"Haan, main bilkul theek hu. Mujhe kyu hua hai?". Prerna answered,"Tumhe fresh paint ke smell se allergy hai na, toh tum theek kaise ho?Tum kuch medicines le rahe ho kya?". Prerna's words surprised him even more. "Nahi",he answered "Main medicines kyu lunga?Mujhe fresh paint se koi allergy nahi hai."Prerna was shocked to hear this,"Lekin",she started"Mujhe toh Kakimoni ne..." then she recalled Mohini and Suman's plan to get her to reconcile with Anurag. Prerna said bitterly,"Toh yeh bhi Kakimoni ka ek plan tha". Anurag asked,"Kaunsa plan?". Prerna explained,"Hum dono ko ek saath ek kamre mein rakhna.Iss liye toh unhone allergy waala jhoot bola taaki tumhe west wing mein naa shift hona pare.". Anurag shook his head in annoyance,"Uff!Yeh ma bhi na.Woh wakayi-kya hua, Prerna?Tum mujhe aise kyu dekh rahi ho?". Prerna frowned,"Uss raat tumne kamra kyu nahi change kiya?". Anurag was surprised at her question,"Matlab?". Prerña let out a frustrated sigh," Jis raat main tumhare kamre mein sone aayi thi maine tumhe west wing mein jaane ko nahi kaha kyuki mujhe laga ki tumhe fresh paint ke smell se allergy hai, lekin tum khud kyu nahi chale gaye?". Anurag looked down feeling embarrassed and awkward for misreading her actions that night,"Actually....mujhe laga tha...woh Prerna mujhe laga tha ki tum uss kamre mein mere saath rehna chahti thi..I thought ki tum bhi humare rishte ko ek naya mauka dena chahti thi, bas tumhe waqt chahiye tha iss baat ko accept karne ke liye....iss liye uss raat main tumhare paas hi ruk gaya". Prerna gave him a long hard look, assessing him she didn't know what to make of this situation. Their reunion which she had thought happened naturally and organically now looked planned and stage managed by Mohini every step of the way. It's as if her own feelings were manipulated to bring her back to him. Deep down Prerna really wanted to believe that he had nothing to do with Kakimoni and her Bhabi's plan, but how was it possible that without even knowing about this, Anurag had done exactly what they had wanted him to do? And if he really had no idea about his mother's lies , then how come he didn't even offer to leave the room even once? Her mind drifted back to Mohini and Suman's conversation about Anurag agreeing to keep their secret. When confronted Anurag told her, that he was about to tell her the truth, but would he have brought it up had she not confronted him first? Prerna finally said, " Maine bhabi aur Kakimoni ki baate suni thi, bhabi keh rahi thi ki ab un dono ko tension leni ki koi zaroorat nahi hai, kyuki ab tum unka saath dene waale ho, tum bhi unke iss plan mein shaamil ho. Ab mujhe pata chala tum kabse unlogo ke iss plan mein shaamil ho". Anurag was stunned by what Prerna was insinuating. He was about to defend himself when she angrily raised a hand to stop him,"Jis raat kakababu ki tabiyat kharab hui, hum poori raat tumhare kamre mein the. Uske agle din jab tumne phirse humare ek hone baat chheri maine tumse tab bhi kaha tha :Ke main tumhare paas wapas nahi aana chahti. Aur tum kehna chahte ho ke mere yeh sab kehne ke baad bhi tumhe laga ke main tumhare saath rehna chahti hu? (angrily) Tumne mujhe kya samaj ke rakha hai Anurag?! Tumhara koi khilona? Ke jab tum chaho chabi ghumake mujhe khud se door bhejoge, jab tum chaho mujhe apne paas bulaoge! Maine tumse kya chaha tha? Yahi ke tum mujhe aur feelings ki izzat karo. Lekin tum toh woh bhi nahi kar paye! Ulta tumne apne iss khel meri bhabi ko involve kar diya! Tum kaise itna badal gaye Anurag!". Giving her a pleading look, Anurag tried to reach for her, but Prerna slapped his hands away scowling,"Achcha theek hai..main nahi aaunga tumhare paas lekin please Prerna mujhe galat mat samjho mera sach mein isme koi haath nahi tha. Mujhe Ma ke inn plans ke baare mein zara sa bhi idea nahi tha! Jabse tumne ghar chhora hai, main toh bas chahta tha ke tum wapas mere paas laut aao, aur jab tum mere paas lauti...."Anurag smiled at that memory,"I swear Prerna main apni khushi mein itna kho gaya tha ke yeh sab kaise hua, kyu hua maine kuch bhi nahi socha. Agar mujhe zara se bhi idea hota ke yeh sab planned tha toh main tab bhi apni Ma ko rok leta.". Prerna wiped her tears, " You know, Anurag agar main tumhari baat maan bhi lu, main tab bhi iss ghar mein tumhare saath nahi reh sakti.". Anurag shot back,"Kyu?". Prerna replied,"Kyuki main ek aise ghar mein nahi reh sakti jaha pe meri feelings ki kadar nahi! Kyuki jo bhi hua hai, usne humare past ko ek baar bhi humare saamne lakar khara kar diya hai! Uss waqt bhi tumne bina kuch soche, bina mujse baat kiye ek aisa faisla le liye jisse hum sabki zindagi humesha ke liye badal gayi. Jisse humara rishta humesha ke liye badal gaya! Maine kabhi apne sapne mein bhi nahi socha tha ki ek din aisa ayega jab(crying)....jab main tumhare kahe sach ko tumhare jhoot se alag nahi kar paaungi, kyuki mujhe laga tha(pointing at herself) mere Anurag ko mujse zyaada koi aur nahi jaanta..tumne mujhe galat sabit kar diya.". She was about to leave the room when Anurag grabbed her hand and turned her around. Tears flowing from his eyes, Anurag took both of her hands and held their tight onto his chest,"I am sorry. I am so sorry ke maine humare rishte ko itna bigaad diya ke aaj tumhe mera kaha hua sach bhi jhoot lag raha hai. Tumhe, tumhare family ko bachane ke liye mera liye ek faisle ne tumhara mere pyaar pe vishwas uthaya,hai na? Theek hai, Prerna main tumhara gunhegaar hu, mujhe sazaa do. Lekin please, mujse door mat jao, kyuki tumhe phirse khone ki himmat mujh mein nahi hai.".

Prerna replied evenly,"Aur phirse dhoka khaane ki himmat mujh mein nahi hai. Anurag rishte pyaar se bante hai, lekin woh chalte bharose aur mutual respect ke dum pe. Main tumpe bharosa nahi karti Anurag, aur iss ghar mein meri koi izzat nahi karta". Anurag protested,"Aisa nahi hai-". Prerna cut him off,"Aisa hi hai! Aisa kyu na ho? Jab tum hazaron logo ke saamne meri beizzati karne ki himmat kar sakte ho, toh tumhe dekh ke baakiyo ko toh himmat aayegi hi na. Agar Kakimoni ke dil mein wakayi mere aur mere parivar ke liye izzat hoti toh woh iss tarah meri Bhabi ko rishwat deke, hume dhoke se yaha nahi laayi hoti-"

"Kya?", a voice said. Anurag and Prerna turned around to see Veena standing at the door. She entered the room and asked concerned,"Priyu, beta tu ro kyu rahi hai...aur yeh tu abhi kya keh rahi thi..rishwat deke hume dhoke se yaha laya gaya...matlab?". Prerna cast an angry glance at Anurag before saying,"Yeh sach hai ma, Anurag aur Kakimoni hume dhoke se iss ghar mein le aaye the. Aur isme inn logo ne bhabi ko bhi shaamil kar diya unhe lalach deke". Anurag finally lost his patience, "Aisa kuch nahi hai, Veena Aunty." he said sharply. That's it, Anurag thought angrily, I've had enough. He had done everything he could to try and convince her that he wasn't a part of all this. He had begged and pleaded with her. Hell! He even laid his heart bare in front of her. But Prerna?! Hurt and angry, he asked her, "Tum mujhe itna galat kaise samaj sakti ho Prerna? Maine tumse baar baar kaha, tumhare aage haath jora ki maine aisa kuch nahi kia! Mujhe Ma aur bhabi ke iss plan ke baare kuch nahi pata, aur tumhe phir bhi mujpar yakeen nahi hua?!" Prerna shot back, equally angry, "Haan, nahi hai mujhe tumhari baaton par yakeen kyuki humesha ki tarah iss baar bhi tum zubaan se kuch keh rahe ho, par tumhari harkate kuch aur hi keh rahi hai. Actually mujhe iss baat ka utna bhi bura nahi lagta agar tum logo ne bhabi ko inn sab mein involve nahi kia hota toh, magar tum aur Kakimoni ne to inn sab ke beech mere parivaar ko bhi ghaseet liya. Mujhe..mujhe abhi bhi yakeen nahi aa raha, ki Kakimoni bhabi ko rishwat dekar apna kaam nikalwa rahi hai. Aur tumhe isme bhi koi problem nazar nahi aati, Anurag?". Anurag angrily countered," Rishwat?! Kaisi rishwat?! Ma bas tumhare bhaiya ko unke office promotion ke liye help kar rahi thi.". This was the first time Prerna had heard this, she was about to say something when Veena beat her to it,"Kya?",she said angrily,"Humare uss din manaa karne ke bawajood Mohiniji Shekhar ke kaam dakhal andaazi kar rahi hai?Priyu, party ki raat bhi woh Shekhar ko uske boss se milana chahti thi, humne tab hi unse keh diya tha ke hum chahte hai ki Shekhar ki pehchaan uske kaam se ho, (looking embarrassed) na ki Basu parivaar ke rishtedaar hone se. Humara yakeen maan beta humne ya tumhare bhaiya unse ek baar bhi nahi kaha ke woh-". Prerna quickly cut her off,"Ma, aap yeh kya keh rahi hai?!",Prerna took Veena's hands in hers and said,"Main achche se jaanti hu, ki aap aur bhaiya kabhi bhi aisa kuch nahi karenge.". Turning to Anurag, Prerna said, "Kakimoni sirf bhaiya ki office mein help nahi kar rahi thi, wo meri bhabi ko gehno ka lalach deke apna kaam nikalwa rahi thi, aur yeh maine khud apne kaano se suna hai..". Watching his stunned expression Prerna gave a sad smile,"Ab tum yeh kaho ki tumhe iske baare mein bhi kuch nahi pata tha?". Anurag said weakly,"Prerna, please trust me. Mujhe wakayi iske baare mein kuch nahi pata tha. Veena Aunty, at least aap toh mera yakeen kijiye, mujhe bas yeh pata tha ki Ma Shekhar bhaiya ki office mein madad karengi". Veena said,

" Lekin phir bhi beta, tumhe iss kaam mein apni ma ka saath nahi dena chahiye tha. Woh hume nahi samajhti lekin tum toh hume achche se jaante aur samajte ho na Anurag? Phir bhi tum yeh nahi samajh paaye ke aisa karne se humare atma samman ko kitni dhes pohochegi?". Anurag couldn't take the look of disappointment in Veena's eyes. He came forward. Holding Veena's hands in his he said,"Veena Aunty please, agar mujhe zara sa bhi idea hota ke baat itni bigad jayegi toh main pehle hi iss cheez ko rok leta. Please Veena Aunty, mera yakeen kijiye mujhe Ma aur bhabi ke iss plan ke baare mein bilkul bhi nahi pata tha. Prerna mujhe nahi samaj rahi, lekin aap toh mujhe samajti hai na, Aunty?Aap jaanti hai na main aapki aur aapke parivar ki kitni izzat karta hu, aur aap logo se kitna pyaar karta hu.Main kabhi bhi aap logo ko hurt karne ka soch bhi nahi sakta.". Veena patted his face,"Hum jaante hai beta, hum samajte hai tumhe. Tumne jo bhi kia jaan bujhke nahi kia. Magar....ab yeh bhi sach hai beta ke jo bhi hua uske baad humlog yaha nahi reh sakte." . Watching Anurag's heartbroken face Veena tried to pacify him,"Beta, hum tumse naraaz nahi hai. Hum tumhari bhavnaao ko samajte hai, lekin yaha....aise...inn halaaton mein rehna hume ab theek nahi lagega. Hum umeed karte hai tum hume samjhoge.". Veena addressed Prerna,"Priyu, beta tum apna saamaan bandho, hum jaake Moloy bhaisaab aur Mohiniji se baat karke aate hai.".

Prerna replied,"Theek hai, ma". Saying this Veena left. Prerna was about to leave when Anurag grabbed hold of her hand.Not looking at him, Prerna gritted her teeth saying,"Anurag mera haath chhoro.". Anurag replied,"Chhordunga. Bas tum mujhe phirse mat chhorna.". Angrily, Prerna turned around. For a moment she was taken aback by what she saw. The happy and content Anurag she saw earlier in the day was gone. Instead he was replaced by this red eyed man with the crazy look in his eyes. The last time she saw him like this was when she caught him standing over her friend Ved, threatening to throw a vase at him. Nonetheless, Prerna maintained her stance,"Main nahi chhorti tumhe iss baar, agar tumne mujhe phirse dhoka nahi diya hota hai, mujse yeh sab baatein nahi chhupayi hoti". Anurag snapped at her"Dammit!Maine aisa kuch nahi-". He closed his eyes, trying to rein in his anger. "You know what? Prerna." Anurag said. There was a coldness in his voice that wasn't there before."Main tumse pyaar karta hu, bohot zyaada pyaar karta hu, lekin iska yeh matlab nahi ki tum mere pyaar ko meri kamzori samjho.". Prerna replied evenly,"Exactly, main bhi kabse tumhe yahi kehne ki koshish kar rahi hu, Anurag. Just because main tumse pyaar karti hu, iska yeh matlab nahi ki main tumhari har baat ko aankh bandh karke maan lu. Tumne galat kiya hai, accept it!".Anurag pulled her close to him, his eyes never leaving her. Realizing that it didn't matter how much he tried to explain, she won't believe him, Anurag took another route. One last time, he appealed to her,"Fine. Maine galti ki hai, I am sorry, mujhe aisa nahi karna chahiye tha.". His words did nothing to calm the storm in Prerna's heart, if anything it angered it more, bringing a lone tear to her eyes. Anurag's expression softened as gently wiped her tear away."Prerna", his voice pleaded,"Main tumhare saamne khara hu, mujhe sazaa do, mujse shikayat karo, tum chaho chahe toh mujse nafrat bhi karlo, par please mujhe chhorke mat jao, jaan.". Standing here, in his arms Prerna wanted nothing more than to heed him. Magar tum iss hi cheez se to door jaana chahti ho, hai na Prerna? Her inner voice reminded her, Anurag ka pyaar hi tumhari sabse bari kamzori hai, yeh baat woh bhi jaanta hai, iss liye toh baar baar woh tumhe apne paas kheech leta hai. Agar abhi tumne iski baat maan li toh tum jo apne self respect ke liye lar rahi ho, woh tum humesha ke liye haar jaogi, kyuki Anurag tumhari kabhi izzat nahi karega! Yaad hai na? Usne tumhe sabke saamne kitna humiliate kiya tha?!

"Nahi!",Prerna screamed pushing a shocked Anurag to the ground. "Main iss ghar mein tumhare saath ab ek second nahi reh sakti!". Saying this, Prerna ran to her room, as Anurag quickly got up and called after her. "Prerna! You can't do this to me! Meri ek chhoti si galti ke liye tum mujhe itni badi sazaa nahi de sakti! Prerna WAIT!!!". But Prerna paid no attention to his calls as she went to their bedroom and locked the door shut.

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~Moloy and Mohini's bedroom~

Mohini heard Anurag's scream, she called her husband. "Moloy",Mohini asked,"Yeh Onu aise chilla kyu raha hai?". Getting up from the bed, she said,"Main jaake dekh ke aati hu.". Just then, Veena entered their bedroom with an upset and tearful Suman tailing behind her. Suman clung to a jewelery box as if her life depended to it. Moloy got up from his bed and said,"Arre, Veena bhabi, aap? Kya baat hai, Suman beta? Tum ro kyu rahi ho?". Veena took the jewelry box from Suman,"Mohiniji",she said,"Yeh lijiye, aapki amaanat.". Mohini stared at the closed jewelry box with horror. "Yeh kya hai? Veena bhabi",Moloy asked in confusion. Veena answered,"Moloy bhaisaab yeh woh gehne hai jo Mohiniji ne humari bahu ko dia tha, unka kaam karne ke badle.". Moloy asked,"Kaisa kaam?". This time Veena answered looking squarely into Mohini's eyes," Anurag aur Prerna ek karne ka kaam, hum sabko dhoke se yaha laane ka kaam. Humne sahi kaha na, Mohiniji?". Moloy asked,"Mohini kya yeh sab sach hai?". Mohini denied it,"Na-nahi..Moloy...Veena ko zaroor koi misunderstanding huyi hai, aisa kuch nahi hai! Yeh sab gehne ko toh maine Suman ko lend kiya tha, woh mujhe baad mein lautane waali thi. Veena tum-". Veena cut her off,"Bas Mohiniji, aapko ab aur jhoot bolne ki koi zaroorat nahi",she said firmly, "Hume Priyu ne sab bata diya hai. Aur usne aapki aur Suman ki saari baatein sunli hai, aur Suman ne bhi hume sab bata diya hai. Ab tum chup kyu ho, bolo Suman!".

A weeping Suman said,"Woh kakababu....party ki raat hum jab neeche Prerna Didi ka intezar kar rahe the, tab Kakimoni humare paas ek offer lekar aayi thi ki agar hum Prerna Didi ko wapas iss ghar mein aur Anurag ki zindagi mein le aayenge toh woh hume inaam dengi. Humne inn se kaha bhi ke hum Prerna Didi aur Anurag ke beech mein nahi aana chahte, lekin phir inhone humse kaha ki agar humne inki madat ki toh yeh Shekhar ko unke office mein promotion dilane mein madat karengi. Hum kya karte kakababu? Hume apne parivaar ki chinta thi. Humare pati ko pichchle teen saalon se koi promotion nahi mila.....". Mohini watched on as Suman told Moloy how she tricked the whole family into coming to Basu Badi. Mohini also noticed how with her sob story Suman portrayed Mohini as the villain to her gullible, misguided housewife. I swear yeh bhi Komolika se kam nahi hai, she thought angrily, Ab pata nahi mere Onu ka kya hoga?No! Main itni jaldi haar nahi maan sakti I have to do something.Mujhe Prerna se baat karni hogi "Mohini...",Moloy's voice caught her attention. "Main tumse kuch keh raha hu. Mere baar baar manaa karne ke bawajood tumne Anurag aur Prerna ke rishte mein dakhal andaazi ki, kya tum-". Mohini cut him off,"I am sorry Moloy lekin main abhi aapse koi baat nahi kar sakti mujhe Prerna rokna hai!". Saying this Mohini rushed out of her bedroom. Embarrassed, Moloy folded his hands in front of Veena, saying,"Veena Bhabi, main...main apni biwi ki iss harkat se bohot sharminda hu.". Veena stopped him,"Arre nahi, nahi Moloy bhaisaab isme(casting a stern glance at Suman) Suman ki bhi kaafi galti hai.Waise....hume kehte huye achcha toh nahi lag raha lekin jo bhi hua uske baad humlog ab yaha nahi reh sakte hum aaj hi wapas apne ghar chale jayenge.". Moloy stood in silence for a moment, until saying, "Bhabi..ab main kya kahu aapse sivaye iske ke ho sake to hume maaf kar dijiye. Aap mere dost Rajesh ki patni hai, aur Prerna woh toh meri beti jaisi hai. Usne iss ghar mein aur iss ghar ke logo ke haathon jo saaha hai uska dukh aur afsos mujhe hamesha rahega. Lekin aaj main aapse ek cheez ka waada karta hu, ke chahe jo kuch bhi ho jaaye, Prerna aur Anurag ka rishta rahe ya na rahe, Prerna ke liye iss mera ghar aur mere dil ke darwaaze humesha khule rahenge.". Veena smiled at Moloy's words, until her eyes fell on her daughter in law. Suman ko kuch cheezein samjhaani zaroori hai, Veena thought. She took Suman's hand,"Chalo Suman, hum tumhari saamaan bandhne mein madat karte hai. Aap apna khyaal rakhiyega, bhaisaab". Saying this both the women left Moloy's room. "Prerna, please open the door!",Moloy heard Anurag scream. Nahi, he thought, Main abhi Onu ko Mohini ke bharose nahi chhor sakta. Mujhe hi ab usse sambhaalna hoga.

Making up his mind Moloy headed towards Anurag's room.

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Chapter: 25.2 Parental Guidance

Prerna angrily moved her things in the suitcase, as Anurag continued to beat the door. "Prerna please",Anurag shouted from outside,"Ek last chance do mujhe, I promise you main tumhe kabhi hurt nahi karunga!". Then she heard her mother-in-law's voice. Mohini Basu said sharply,"Prerna!Open the door. Yeh kya bachpana laga rakha hai?". Prerna paid no heed to them and continued to pack her things.

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Standing outside Anurag's bedroom Mohini tried to pacify her son,"Onu, tu chinta mat kar! Teri maa sab theek kar degi-". "Bilkul nahi!",Moloy Basu thundered,"Mohini aaj agar Onu yaha iss haal mein khada hai, uski zimmedaar bhi tum ho!". Mohini bristled at this,"Moloy aap yeh kya keh rahe hai? Ek toh aapki laadli bahu ke wajah se aaj mere bete ki yeh haalat hai aur aap mujhe-". Moloy cut her off,"Mohini mujhe tumse iss baare mein koi argument nahi karni. Abhi meri priority mera Onu hai.". Anurag pleaded with his father,"Baba please aap Prerna ko samjhaiye na.". Moloy held his hand,"Beta, pehle tu apne aap ko sambhaal, mujhe abhi teri chinta abhi zyaada hai. Tu chal mere saath mujhe tujse baat karni hai.". Saying this, Moloy led Anurag to the nearest room, turning a deaf ear to Anurag's pleas.

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Finally, after packing all her things Prerna sat down on the bed, and cried. There was silence from the other end of the door. Shayad usse finally samaj mein aagaya ki main nahi rukungi, she thought. Main jaana chahti hu yaha se, main uske rokne se bhi nahi rukne waali, toh ab mujhe itna bura lag raha hai?. She took Anurag's picture from the nightstand, "Shayad iss liye",she spoke to his picture,"Kyuki iss baar maine tumse better expect kiya. Tum mujse pyaar karte ho, yeh baat tum mujse kitni baar keh chuke, lekin bharosa bilkul bhi nahi karte na? Na apne pyaar mein, na mere pyaar mein. Maine socha tha ki iss baar tum humare pyaar pe bharosa karoge, mere faisle, mere feelings ki izzat karoge.But you let me down. Main nahi jaanti humare rishte ka future kya hoga lekin main itna zaroor jaanti hu ke agar abhi main yaha ruki toh humare beech kuch bhi kabhi theek nahi hoga.Hum ek doosre ko aise hi hurt karte rahenge.". After giving the picture a long hard look ,"I love you",Prerna said, inspite of herself.

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Moloy took Anurag in the room and shutting the door behind him. "Onu",Moloy said firmly but kindly,"Beta, tune aaj tak apne baba se kuch nahi chhupaya. Main umeed karta hu ke iss baar bhi tu aisa kuch nahi karega. Kya tujhe apne Ma ke iss plan ke baare kuch pata tha?". Anurag, who had been staring at the floor lost, looked up and answered,"Nahi, baba",in a soulless voice.Moloy held his gaze for a long time until he finally said,"I believe you, beta.". Until he heard it, Anurag didn't know how badly he needed to hear those words. The words which he badly wanted to hear from Prerna, even Veena Aunty to some extent. And without thinking, just like a lost child, Anurag Basu ran to his father's arms giving him a tight hug. "Thank you so much, Baba",he said in between his tears,"Aap nahi jaante abhi yeh words mere liye kya mean karte hai.". Moloy quietly patted his son's back,"I know beta"he simply said. "Baba, yeh sab kya ho raha hai?",Anurag wailed,

" Prerna, Baba meri Prerna! Jo mujhpe itna vishwas karti thi, aaj usse mere lakh kehne par bhi mujhpe yakeen nahi raha.Woh kyu nahi samajti?! Ke pehle maine jo kuch bhi kiya sirf uske liye kiya usme mera koi swarth nahi tha! Aur ab bhi main uske khushiyon ke khilaaf jaakar kuch nahi karunga! Usse aisa kyu lagta hai ke main usse dhokha dunga? Jab ki maine humesha khud se pehle uske baare mein socha hai!". Moloy patted his cheek trying to pacify him,"Beta, main teri takleef samajta hu, aur Prerna bhi samjhegi, lekin uske liye tujhe usse thoda waqt dena hoga, woh pehle se hi itni naaraz thi aur ab jo teri maa ne kiya hai uske baad toh....Onu! Meri baat dhyaan se sun, tujhe abhi Prerna ko jaane dena hoga!". "Nahi!",Anurag said stubbornly,"Main aisa nahi kar sakta.Baba..maine yeh galti pehli bhi ki hai, iss liye aaj aise yaha khara hu, ke usko baar baar kehne ke bawajood Prerna ko meri baaton par yakeen nahi. Abhi toh sirf woh meri baaton pe vishwas nahi kar pa rahi hai lekin agar maine usse jaane diya toh usse yakeen ho jayega ki Ma aur Bhabi ke saath milkar yeh sab maine kiya hai aur ab pakre jaane par sharminda hoke usse jaane de raha hu.". Moloy tried to reason with him,"Onu, Prerna iss liye ghar chhorkar jaa rahi hai, kyuki usse lagta hai ke tune uska vishhwas tora. Ab woh tab tak iss ghar mein nahi lautegi jab tak tu uska vishwas wapas nahi jeet leta. Aur agar tune abhi zidd karke usse rokne ki koshish ki toh tu uska vishwas kabhi nahi jeet paega. Iss liye main keh raha hu beta, agar woh jaana chahti hai to tu usse jaane de, uske faisle ki izzat kar. Jab uska gussa thanda ho jayega na tab tu jaake usse baat karna, I am sure woh teri baat zaroor samjhegi.... Lekin agar abhi tune usse rok bhi liya, tum dono ka rishta abhi ke liye bach toh jayega lekin sudhar nahi payega. humesha kamzor rahega..tootne ki kagaar mein. Iss liye jo bhi karna zara soch samajke karna beta, main bas itna hi keh sakta hu tujse....". Saying this Moloy left the room, leaving his son deep in thought.

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Chapter 26.1: A Mother's Unconditional Love

As Prerna climbed down the stairs dragging her suitcase, Mohini Basu stood waiting in the hall, shooting daggers at her daughter in law, as Prerna pointedly ignored her."Tum yeh sahi nahi kar rahi ho. Tum jaan bujke apni zindagi barbaad kar rahi ho, not to mention saath saath mere Onu aur uske hone waale bachche ki bhi!"Mohini said. Prerna lost her temper at this,"Kya?!Main apne bachche ki zindagi barbaad kar rahi hu?! Aur aap aur aapke bete ne jo kiya uska kya?! Pehle usne mujhse shaadi karne ka vaada kiya, jab mujhe uski sabse zyada zaroorat thi, usne mera dil todke mujhe chhor diya, sabke saamne mere aur mere pyaar ka tamasha banaya! Mujse humesha baatein chhupayi!....Uske itna kuch karne ke baad maine bas usse sirf itna manga ke woh mujhe izzat se jaane de. Lekin usse toh woh bhi nahi hua!". Mohini replied, angrily"Usse aisa nahi hua kyuki, unfortunately..Prerna woh tumse pyaar karta hai. Tumhare liye kissi bhi hadh tak jaa sakta hai, yeh tumhe dikhaayi nahi deta?! Tumhara woh ghar bachaane ke liye usne uss pagal Komolika se shaadi tak karli. Mera Onu! Jo itna practical hua karta tha, usne apni life, apna future sacrifice kiya taaki tum aur tumhara parivaar beghar na ho!(crying) Aur aaj tumne uske saath aisa kiya!". Prerna evenly replied to Mohini's outburst,"Mujhe bhagwan nahi bas ek pyar karne waala pati chahiye tha, Kakimoni. Jo meri har mushkil mein mera saath de, jo mujhpe itna bharosa karta ho ki apni problems mere saath share sake. Afsos aapke bete ne mujhe itna bhi nahi samjha.". Mohini retorted,"You are right, galti mere Onu ki hai jo usne tum jaisi ungrateful ladki se pyaar kiya. Mujhe toh pehle se hi pata tha,(pointing at Prerna) tum mere Onu ke layak hi nahi ho. Lekin phir bhi maine tumhe sab kuch bhulake accept kiya. Tumne inn teen mahino mein kya kya nahi kiya humare saath? Hume arrest karaya! Hume kitna bhala bura sunaya aur toh aur tumne apne bachche ki jaan bhi khatre mein daali?!Tum kitni irresponsible ma ho Prerna! I don't think tum iss bachche ki responsibility lene ke liye ready ho.". Prerna asked,"Aap kehna kya chahti hai?". Mohini went for the kill,"Main yeh kehna chahti hu ke divorce ke baad yeh bachcha humare saath rahega, kyuki I don't think ke tum uska khayal rakh paogi.".
Prerna snapped," Kakimoni main aapko yaad dila du ke jabse yeh bachcha mere kok mein aaya hai, iska khayal sirf maine hi rakha hai, aap logo ne toh isko apnane se bhi inkaar kar diya tha! Aur aap keh rahi aap uska khayal rakhengi?!". Mohini replied,"Humne iss bachche ko pehle nahi apnaya iska yeh matlab nahi ke hum isse pyar nahi karte. Aur hum kyun na karenge isse pyar?! Yeh bachcha mere Onu ka hai! Yeh ek Basu hai! Yeh iss ghar ka waris hai! Main tumhe iske zindagi ke saath khelne nahi de sakti!".
Prerna replied,"Main iss bachche ki ma hu, aur isse mujhse koi chheen nahi sakta! Aur aapko sharm aani chahiye itna kuch karne ke baad, apne kiye pe afsos karna toh dur ki baat ulta aap mujhe dhamki de rahi hai?".
Mohini scoffed,"Main afsos karungi?! Main kyu afsos karungi, main apne bete se pyaar karti hu, maine jo bhi kiya hai uski khushi ke liye kiya, woh khushi jo tumse shuru hoti hai aur tum hi pe khatam hoti hai. Lekin ek tum ho jisse uski koi fikr hi nahi hai!". Prerna felt a twinge of guilt at Mohini's words, however she didn't back down,"Kakimoni, mera intention kissi ko hurt karna nahi tha aur main bhi chahti thi ke iss baar humare beech aur koi problem na ho lekin Anurag ne jo bhi kiya woh main ignore nahi kar sakti.". Mohini countered her,"Lekin usne yeh sab nahi kiya Prerna, yeh sab maine aur tumhari bhabi ne milkar kiya hai. Onu ko to iske baare mein pata bhi nahi tha.".
Prerna narrowed her eyes,"Agar usse pata nahi tha, toh woh mere saath apne kamre mein kyu ruka?Usse toh koi allergy nahi hai, toh woh West wing mein jaake kyu nahi raaha?Jis Anurag Basu ko main jaanti thi, woh kabhi bhi jhoot ka sahara lekar kissi ladki ke kareeb nahi aa sakta tha. Lekin agar woh aisa kuch kar sakta hai, toh shayad humara alag hona hi theek hai, kyuki main usse bilkul bhi nahi jaanti.".
Mohini snarled,"Mind your language Prerna! Tum mere saamne mere hi bete ke baare kuch bhi bologi yeh main tolerate nahi karungi!". Prerna decided that she had enough ,"Aur main bhi aapke dhamkiyo ko aur tolerate nahi karungi! Bohot hogaya Kakimoni, bohot ho gaya...(crying) maine inn teen mahino mein kya kiya aapko woh to yaad hai, lekin aapne inn teen mahino mein kya kiya aapko woh yaad hai? Inn teen m-mahino mein(wiping her tears)..aisa ek-aisa ek bhi pal nahi tha jab aapne mujhe humiliate nahi kiya ho...mujhe neecha nahi dikhaaya ho. Arre aapne toh mere bechare baba-mere baba j-jo ke iss duniya mein nahi hai...aapne to unko bhi nahi baksha, unki seekh, unki parvarish pe ungli uthaayi. Unke saalon ki wafadaari pe sawaal uthaaya...aur mera bachcha(touching her belly)?Aaj aapke liye yeh bacha aapke khandaan ka chirag hai, lekin aap bhul gayi Kakimoni?Do mahine pehle jab aapko meri pregnancy ke baare mein pata chala tha, aapne mujhse kya kaha tha, yaad hai?". Mohini tried to defend herself,"Prerna, uss waqt jo bhi hua tha-". But Prerna continued as if Mohini didn't say anything,"Aap ne kaha tha ki yeh bachcha Anurag ka nahi hai, kyuki Anurag jaise achche ghar ke ladke, mujh jaisi ladkiyo ko apne munh nahi laga te...aur agar kabhi usne aisi galti kar bhi li, toh phir mujhe jaake abortion kara lena chahiye kyuki mujh jaisi ladkiya kisike ghar ki izzat nahi ban sakti, hum zyada se zyada aap jaise logo ka khilona ban sakti hai jisse ek baar khel liya aur phir kissi kone mein phek diya!". Mohini said desperately,"Prerna, uss waqt jab maine woh sab kaha tha, tab mujhe Komolika ki sachchai nahi pata thi! Na main yeh jaanti thi ke tum mere Onu ke liye kya ho!". Angry and frustrated Mohini continued,"Seriously Prerna mujhe samaj nahi aata, jab Onu aur hum sab tumhe Basu Bari se door bhejna chahte the tab tum sabse ladkar, sab kuch sehkar yaha rahi, aur aaj? Aaj jab tumhare paas sab kuch hai, pyaar, paisa, status. In fact tumhare middle class status ko bhulakar maine bhi tumhe accept kar liya hai! Tum yeh sab chhorkar jaana chahti ho?! Have you lost it?".Prerna gave her a sad smile,"Aapko pata hai, Kakimoni ek waqt tha jab aapka mujhe accept karna mere liye bohot important hua karta tha, kyun na karta?!After all aap Anurag ki ma hai, uske life ki sabse important insaan.. lekin phir usne mera dil toda, mujhe beizzat kiya, poore sheher ke saamne mera tamasha banaya-".Mohini cut her off,"Usne woh sab iss liye kiya taaki tum usse nafrat karo, usse bhool jao aur apni life mein aage bar sako.".Prerna scoffed,"Anurag woh sab kyu kar raha tha woh tab sirf usse hi pata tha, lekin aap? Jab aapka beta lakhon logo ke saamne ek ladki ki izzat uchchal raha tha, uske character uske background pe sawaal khara kar raha tha, tab aap Kakimoni apna sir ucha karke garv se uske peeche khari thi, aap tab uske galat kaam mein uska saath de rahi thi. Uss din aur uske baad inn teen mahino mein har ek din aapne jo kuch bhi mere saath kia usse mujhe ek cheez realize ho gaya ki aapke nazron mein meri sabse badi galti yeh hai ki main middle class hu.Thats it.Uss hi se aapne mera character decide kar liya. Aapko uske aage na tab nazar aaya tha, aur abhi aap chahe jitna bhi chhupane ki koshish kare na ab!"
Mohini warned,"Prerna, that's enough. Main kuch nahi bol rahi, main apne Onu ke liye chup hu iska yeh matlab nahi ke tum jo jee mein aaye bolti jaogi! I don't believe this!Hum sabne tumhare liye kya kuch nahi kiya aur tum iska yeh sila de rahi ho hume?!Mere Onu ne tumhare liye apni puri life sacrifice kardi. Moloy! Jo tumhe apni beti maante hai woh aaj apne bete ke against jaake tumhari side le rahe hai. Aur main?Jabse mujhe pata chala ke Onu tumse kitna pyaar karta hai, tabse maine tumhare liye kya kuch nahi kiya hai.Kapde!Gehne! Tumhara khana-peena yeh sab kuch main dekh rahi thi Prerna, in fact main toh tumhare bhai ke promotion ke liye uske boss se personally baat karne jaa rahi thi. Lekin tumhari bhabi-"
Prerna completed Mohini's sentence for her,"-bhabi ko rishwat de kar apna kaam karaya.Kakimoni, aap jo mere aur meri family ke liye kar rahi thi na usse rishwat dena kehte hai. Mujhe maa ne bataya ke party ki raat bhi aapne bhaiya ko yeh offer diya tha aur unlogo ne aapko saaf saaf manaa kar diya.Aur iske baad bhi aapne yeh sab kiya.". Mohini replied,"Toh isme galat kya hai? Aur kya apne bhai ke tarakki ko support karne se zyada tumhare liye apna ego matter karta hai Prerna?Tum itni khudgarz kabse ho gayi?".
Prerna was about to speak up when Debu da, the Basu's domestic entered the hall,"Boudi, baahar Mr. Rishabh Bajaj ka secretary khara hai, woh aap sabse milna chahta hai.".

Hello everyone!

Given that Kzk isn't on air I've decided to actually post my upcoming chapters as episodes. As it is when I write them I think of them as episodes coz they r so looong.So from now on I'll be posting updates ONLY on weekdays at 8pm and once a week instead of once a month. So this week's update I've already posted tonight. My next week's post will be on Friday 8pm.

Till then please stay safe and look after your loved ones

Wohooo, I was halfway through the chapters I am yet to read and here comes the delight ❤️

Burak, I am still reeling through 24th chapter would finish it off soon and post reviews for every chapter by the end of tommorow or day after at Max. Love you for 26th chapter's update and the news is really cheering.

Originally posted by: Tranquility07

Wohooo, I was halfway through the chapters I am yet to read and here comes the delight ❤️

Burak, I am still reeling through 24th chapter would finish it off soon and post reviews for every chapter by the end of tommorow or day after at Max. Love you for 26th chapter's update and the news is really cheering.

Aww thanks.With the story I have in mind this story is gonna be 50 chapters looong. Spoiler alert: Upcoming chapters will see Bajaj Prerna interactions

Prerna and Anurag are back together, nothing can be better than that. Prerna took a mature move and let go off the idea of separation considering the love still brewing in her. It was wise and really encouraging with the way they both sat down and sorted out the things together like adults. It's more of a step by step movement hope the reconciliation bring sweeter fruits than the misery last time.

To see Prerna found about Mohini and Suman's plan was really thrilling but for a moment it was scary as well considering how impulsive she has become these days. I know self-respect is important but she should have listened to what Anurag has to say and then conclude. She did told him of giving him a second chance but at this moment she really failed to keep her words too. I know she cannot fully trust him but when moving on of the rough patch of life and decided to reconcile she trusted him a bit knowing everything he did was just for her. Somewhere I think Prerna has got loads of burden in her head for protecting her family and at the same time a bit of emotional baggage for not being the part of her love’s plan to protect her home + grudge against him when he humiliated her before entire city. Deep down she is still hurt and that's taking a toll on her. Hope things become better in some time soon. But seeing Mohini's intervention with Prerna and catching up with such an harsh tone, I think if reconciliation is any round in the corner then Anurag Prerna better plan to move out of Basu Baari and better maintain coordial relationship with members from their home near by to Basu Baari as well as Sharma niwaas.

Great job Burak, you add conflicts in the story with outstanding approach. This is truly amazing and intriguing.

Originally posted by: Tranquility07

.

To see Prerna found about Mohini and Suman's plan was really thrilling but for a moment it was scary as well considering how impulsive she has become these days. I know self-respect is important but she should have listened to what Anurag has to say and then conclude. She did told him of giving him a second chance but at this moment she really failed to keep her words too. I know she cannot fully trust him but when moving on of the rough patch of life and decided to reconcile she trusted him a bit knowing everything he did was just for her. Somewhere I think Prerna has got loads of burden in her head for protecting her family and at the same time a bit of emotional baggage for not being the part of her love’s plan to protect her home + grudge against him when he humiliated her before entire city. Deep down she is still hurt and that's taking a toll on her. Hope things become better in some time soon. But seeing Mohini's intervention with Prerna and catching up with such an harsh tone, I think if reconciliation is any round in the corner then Anurag Prerna better plan to move out of Basu Baari and better maintain coordial relationship with members from their home near by to Basu Baari as well as Sharma niwaas.

Great job Burak, you add conflicts in the story with outstanding approach. This is truly amazing and intriguing.

Thanks😘😘😘😘I hope u keep reading and reviewing like this

With everything Prerna has gone through, she now actually finds it difficult to trust people now.On the other hand, she now sees people for who they r, she no longer makes excuses for them Mohini in this case. Also one of the reasons why after the reveal she acted the way she did, is because she's tired of other people making decisions for her. Mohini had decided that she'll marry Naveen Babu by blackmailing her, Anurag had decided to end it with her during the worst time of her life, when she was at her weakest. At the end of the day, it was Prerna who bore the brunt of other people's decisions, be it almost marrying a creepy human trafficker, or ending up alone and pregnant, publicly humiliated by the man she loves. Having gone through all this and so much more Prerna will no longer let anybody else make decisions for her. Especially in Basu household where she had always been looked down upon.

The reason why she didn't believe Anurag is because the evidence was stacked up against him. She still wasn't wholly sure that he had anything to do with Mohini-Suman's scheme, but she still would've left BB with her family since they were tricked into coming her in the first place. It was the whole paint allergy fiasco, and Anurag's weak defense and the fact that he was actually supporting his mother recommending Shekhar for a promotion which made her really lose the little bit of faith she had in him. He will need to win it back, and she'll need to learn to open her heart to him like before

Hi guys! It's Burak here. Happy Good Friday!!!I know I said i'll upload the episode tonight at 8 pm. But something came up. So I'm doing it now. Here is the second part of my 3 part chapter.I know! Chapter 26 is huge. But I promise u it'll be totally worth it! Just a little bts info I am currently writing chapter 28 which has a very important Prerna-Bajaj scene. So hope u guys continue with the story.And it's been a year since I'm writing this FF thank u for sticking around.

Chapter 26.2: A mother's unconditional love

Recap: Debu da, the Basu's domestic entered the hall,"Boudi, baahar Mr. Rishabh Bajaj ka secretary khara hai, woh aap sabse milna chahta hai.".

This surprised both the women, Mohini quickly said,"Usse andar bulaao."
"Mr. Bajaj ka secretary yaha kyu aaya hoga? Ab Mr.Bajaj ko humse kya chahiye?",Prerna wondered aloud. "Pata nahi",Mohini replied,"Main jaake Moloy ko-". Before she could complete her complete her sentence, Mohini saw Moloy and Anurag coming downstairs. Seeing Anurag, Mohini was about to say something when Moloy signalled her not to talk to their son right now. Prerna sneaked a look at Anurag. He looked exhausted. His eyes were red from all the crying. But now there was a change in him, a sense of calm that comes from accepting your fate.I am sorry main tumhe itna hurt kar rahi hu, Prerna thought guiltily, Lekin tumne mere paas aur koi option nahi chhora hai. Abhi ke liye tumhe jaane de raha hu, Anurag thought looking at Prerna's suitcase,Lekin I promise you by hook or crook main tumhe wapas zaroor launga. Tum mujse abhi bhi pyaar karti ho, main yeh tumhari aankhon mein dekh sakta hu. Toh main itni aasani se tumhe kaise jaane de sakta hu?Main wahi galti dobaara nahi doh raunga!
A man entered the room wearing a crisp black suit and carrying a bouquet and a fruit basket. "Good morning, Mr. Basu, main Mayank Verma hu, Mr. Rishabh Bajaj ka secretary.",he wished Moloy courteously. He gave a polite smile to everyone else in the room. "Mr.Bajaj kaise hai?I hope unhe Kolkata pasand aa raha hai?",Prerna enquired politely. Mayank smiled,"Haan, ma'am. Sir ko yaha bohot achcha lag raha hai. Actually sir ne Mr. Basu ke health ke baare mein suna toh woh unhone mujhe bheja Mr. Basu ka haal jaan ne ke liye. Actually woh khud hi aana chahte the magar unka kuch urgent kaam aa gaya. Iss liye unhone mujhe bheja aur..(handing the fruit basket to Moloy) yeh sir ke taraf se ek chhota sa get well soon gift.". Moloy smiled graciously,"Aap please Mr.Bajaj ko meri taraf se thank you bol dijiyega. Tell him I really appreciate it.". Mayank smiled,"Sure sir. And Mrs. Basu?". "Yes",Mohini answered. Mayank said,"Sorry Ma'am aap nahi main Mrs. Prerna Anurag Basu se baat kar raha tha.".
"Oh",Mohini replied taken aback. "Mrs.Basu",Mayank addressed Prerna. Mayank handed her the bouquet."Flowers from Mr.Bajaj",he said,"Aapke pregnancy ki khushi mein. Actually sir aapko party ki raat hi congratulate karna chahte the par woh ho nahi paya.".
"Aap, please Mr.Bajaj ko meri taraf se thank you keh dijiyega",Prerna said graciously. Mr. Bajaj's secretary wished them a good day and took their leave. Just then Veena, followed by Mahesh, Shivani and Suman came downstairs. Mahesh and Shivani were carrying suitcases. Veena addressed,"Moloy bhaisaab, ab hum chalte hai, aapne aur Mohiniji itne din humari jo khatirdaari ki uske liye (folding her hands) dhanyawad.". Moloy protested,"Arre yeh aap kya keh rahi hai Veena bhabi, aap log mera parivaar hai ....mujhe dukh hai ki aap logo ko aise jana par raha hai lekin ek baat hamesha yaad rakhiye ga ki yeh ghar aapka hai, aur aap jab chahe yaha pe aa sakte hai.". Veena smiled gratefully,"Shukriya, bhaisaab. Mahesh beta, tum humlogo ke liye cab mangwalo". Hearing this, Anurag spoke up,"Aunty aapko cab bulane ki kya zaroorat hai, main aap logo ko chhorke aata hu". Prerna was about to protest when Moloy spoke up,"Nahi beta, abhi mujhe tumse kuch kaam hai, tum zara mere saath study mein aaoge? Bhabi aur bachchon ko humara driver chhordega. Rivu Da!". Veena protested,"Bhaisaab!Aap logo ko takleef uthane ki koi zaroorat nahi hai...". But Moloy didn't pay any attention to her. Rivu Da came and said,"Ji dada?". Moloy ordered,"Rivu Da, tum driver se humari badi wali gaadi nikaalne ko kaho.". Rivu Da nodded and left. Moloy took Anurag by his arm,"Onu, beta zara mere saath study mein aana".

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As Moloy and Anurag left, Mohini smugly said to Prerna,"Dekha tumne Prerna, uss secretary ne tumhe kya kehkar bulaya: Prerna.Anurag.Basu.Aur woh kitni izzat se tumse baat kar raha tha.Yeh sab woh kyu kar raha tha jaanti ho?Kyuki tum Basu Parivar ki bahu ho, Anurag Basu ki biwi ho. Aur sirf woh hi kyu?!Inn kuch dinon mein, tumhari pregnancy ki khushi mein kitne desh-videsh ke industrialists ne gifts bheje, flowers bheje, yaha tak ki humare state ke chief minister ne bhi mere hone waale pote ke liye ek sone ki chamach bheji. Aaj tumhe sab jaante hai, sab pehchaante hai.Poori duniya tumhare kadmo mein hai, aur tum yeh sab chhorkar wapas apni middle class waali zindagi mein jaana chahti ho, jaha tumhe koi nahi jaanta?". Prerna replied calmly,"Kakimoni, I know yeh saari cheezein aapke liye bohot mayine rakhti hai, lekin mujhe inn sabse koi lena-dena nahi hai aur naa kabhi tha.". Mohini taunted,"Tumhe lena-dena nahi hai na sahi, lekin tumhare liye mera pota kyu suffer karega?". Agitated, Prerna asked,"Aap kehna kya chahti hai?". Mohini replied,"Main yeh keh rahi hu Prerna, ke tumhare iss faisle ka asar iss bachche ki kismat pe par sakta hai"
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~|nside Moloy's study~

Anurag said,"Baba aapne mujhe yaha kyu bulaya?". Moloy said,"Haan...woh....beta main soch raha tha ke hume Mr.Bajaj ko phone karke unhe fruit basket aur flowers ke liye thanks bolna chahiye". Surprised, Anurag asked,"Bas itni si baat?!Uske liye aap mujhe yaha le aaye?Aap mujse kuch chhupa rahe hai baba?".Moloy shook his head,"Aisa kuch nahi hai, beta. Mujhe bas darr tha ki bahar tum aur Prerna phirse larne na lago. Jab tu sabko drop karne ki baat kar raha tha tab Prerna ko dekh ke lagaa ki woh kuch kehne waali thi...main bas nahi chahta tha ke tumlog uske jaate jaate bhi jhagda karo.Aur iss liye maine kaha ke un sab ko humara driver chhor ayega...aur yeh sahi bhi hai. Dekh Onu, agar abhi tu Prerna ke aas paas rahega toh usse baar baar yeh yaad ayega ki tune usse dhokha diya-". Anurag interrupted him,"Baba maine usse-". Moloy cut him off, impatiently"Haan, mujhe pata hai tune aisa kuch nahi kia, lekin usse toh abhi yehi lag raha hai na ke yeh sab tune kiya hai. Aise mein agar tu uske saamne rahega toh uska gussa aur bhi barh jaega. Iss liye main nahi chahta tha ki tu abhi unn sabko ghar drop karne jaaye. Tu samaj raha hai na beta main kya keh raha hu?"
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"Mujhe bilkul bhi samaj mein nahi aa raha hai aap kya kehne ki koshish kar rahi hai Kakimoni?",Prerna asked annoyed. Mohini smirked.She addressed, Veena"Waise Veena tumne apni beti ko bohot kuch sikhaaya hai bado ki izzat karna, achcha khana banana..kaash tumne usse thodi si duniyadaari bhi sikhayi hoti.(looking at Prerna)Main yeh keh rahi hu Prerna ke Basu surname ke bina iss bachche ka kya future hoga tumne kabhi socha hai?Aaj jo tumhe itni importance mil raha hai society mein woh tumhe iss liye mil raha kyuki Onu ka naam, humara naam tumhare naam ke aage hai.Lekin ek baar jab divorce ho jayega tum toh wapas se Prerna Sharma ban jaogi, ek middle class ghar ki ladki, wohi tumhari pehchaan hogi aur of course Anurag Basu ki ex- par woh pehchaan bhi tumhare kissi kaam ki nahi....Of course mera Onu tumse itna pyaar karta hai ki woh khushi khushi tumhe bachche ki custody lene dega.... And of course woh iss bachche ka kharcha uthaana chahega. (Sighing)Lekin tum toh itni khuddar ho ke tum saaf saaf usse manaa kardogi, aur tumhare iss faisle mein tumhara saath degi tumhari aadarshwaadi ma aur unka poora parivar.".Trying to control herself, Prerna balled her palms into fists,"Kakimoni",her voice choking in anger,"Aapko jo bhi kehna hai saaf saaf kahiye.". Mohini smiled tauntingly,"Main yeh keh rahi hu Prerna ke apne middle class background, aur apne middle class income se tum iss bachche ki zaroorato ko kaise poora karogi? Forget about usse jo upbringing yaha Basu Bari mein rehke mil sakti hai, kya tum mein uski basic zaroorato ko puri karne ki hasiyat hai, Prerna?". Veena protested,"Mohiniji aap-". Mohini raised a hand to silence her. She can't have Veena coming in between now. As Prerna shifted uncomfortably, unable to answer back, Mohini understood that this was her best tactic to make Prerna stay - for the sake of her child's better future. I should've known pyaar humesha se Prerna ki sabse badi kamzori thi. Aur ab toh yeh ma banne waali hai.Jab mere bachche ka pyaar mujse yeh sab kara sakta hai, toh phir yeh Prerna kya cheez hai? I am sure ab yeh kahi nahi jayegi.Mohini thought triumphantly. Mohini continued brainwashing her,"Jaha tak mujhe pata hai Prerna, tumhara bhai mahine mein sirf Rs.35,000 kamaata hai, right Suman?"Mohini asked throwing a short glance at Suman. Without waiting for an answer she continued, "Aur uss 35,000 mein bechare ko Mahesh aur Shivani ke padhayi ka kharcha, ghar ka kharcha, apni biwi ka kharcha sab kuch uthaana padta hai usse.....Haan tumhare Papa ka pension bhi monthly milta hai tum logo ko lekin woh bhi kuch zyada nahi hai.Ab inn sabme tumhare lawyer ki fees, tumhare aur ek naye bachche ka kharcha mein jordu, I don't think Prerna tum iss bachche ki basic zarooratein bhi poori kar paogi.".
"Aisa kuch nahi hoga",Prerna protested,"Apne bachche ki zimmedari main khud uthaungi. Main job karungi, din raat mehnat karungi lekin apne bachche ko kissi bhi cheez ki kami nahi hone dungi". "Very good",Mohini smiled tauntingly,"Agar tum kaam karogi, din raat mehnat karogi toh bachche ke paas kab rahogi?Shuruwat ke dino ek bachche ko sabse zyada apni ma ki zaroorat hoti hai, lekin tum toh kaam mein busy hogi. Tumhare absence mein tumhare bachche ka khyaal kon rakhega? Suman? Bechari ko to ghar ke kaam se fursat nahi milti. Tumhari ma?Iss umr woh apna khyaal rakhegi ke tumhare bachche ka?...achcha theek hai ek second ke liye maine maan liya ke ghar mein log hai tumhare bachche ka khyaal rakhne ke liye but what about your job? Prerna tum ek college dropout ho, an average student, tumhara koi former work experience bhi nahi hai, tumne hardly ek mahina Moloy ke liye kaam kiya tha. On top of that tum ma banne waali ho. Tum toh waise bhi apne kaam ko 100% nahi de paogi, tumhari pehli priority to tumhara bachcha hoga. Usually iss hi wajah se companies pregnant aurto ko hire karna nahi chahti.....So, Miss Prerna Sharma, tell me tum akele kaise iss bachche ki zimmedari logi?Apna ghar tak toh tum akeli nahi bacha saki woh mere Onu ne kiya!(pointing at her) Tumhare liye! Apni zindagi sacrifice karke! Aur tum kehti ho ke mere bete ke bina, tum uske bachche ka khayal rakh paogi?What a joke!".

Precap: Just then- "Prerna apne bachche ki saari zimmedari nibhayegi hume uspe poora bharosa hai."a voice said......