AnuPre FF. Memories That Burn - Page 6

Wow .... So Anurag has got his memory back ....

Loved how you wrote it ..showing Anurag’s confusion and then family talking abt current state ... IT WAS ALL IN WORDS 👏......I can very well imagine KZK going for some 2rs chindi CGI effects filled scene to show Anurag getting his memory back 😆.....

waiting for next one ......

Hi, loving your work and the way you're building the story.

Just a suggestion, can you add anupre in your title so that we know this is an anupre FF.

Response time:

Firstly, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read the story, oddly enough the farther it progresses the more insistent my muse is to “fix” things that were so blatantly overlooked or misunderstood (it was one of the reasons why I stopped writing fanfic).

Working from top to bottom again…

Bashful_moon:

“Shall comment on each chapter individually later on...I need to read them all at once for better connect.”

While I know how frustrating it can be to wait for updates, especially when you enjoy the story… I don’t think this one will be done any time soon. I know where I’ll end it, but between here and there there’s still so much ground to cover.

Tranquility07

“Nothing is perfect everything has it's own set of flaws we learn to admire with time. Trust me, you ain't the only writer who felt this. I fall in that list too. While writing I try my level best to add emotions through dialogues and character archs but when posted it all flurries down drain for me. That feeling of ungratifying is what keeps you going and to be better than the last. It has its own boons.”

Ugh (facepalm) but the quest for perfection can be so painful….

As one writer to another, you never really achieve it – Editors and betas are an absolute must.

I have three rules in writing:
1. Respect the muse (inner creative voice) – mine makes connections I would never even have thought possible, and she can be as stubborn as a mule once she’s decided on something. At times it does feel like I have a whole other mindset when writing.

2. Write it then fix it… It’s easier to edit words on a screen rather than in your mind. Perfect scenes are edited and rewritten.

And lastly one I feel the creatives should take to heart…

3. Stick to the story. (Drama means nothing if it is not related to the story.) It is very easy to go off on a tangent when you have no idea where to go. Alternatively, you have somewhere to go but no idea how to get there. I find that when I’m tempted to do this, cutting things down to the bone (what is the story about? And what needs to happen?) quickly puts you back on tract.

Gunnun

”Gunnu is my nick name..n is sirname”

Apologies if you feel insulted. I speak several languages, so my mind has a habit of breaking unfamiliar words into components before reading them as a whole. In your case your name broke up into Gun (symbol of conflict and war and) Nun (symbol of peace and tolerance) hence oxymoron (opposing or conflicting words or meaning used together).

Sahra1977(Hindi version of English Sarah?)

Update?

Um, I’m working on it again.

Lunagoodlove

“Wow, I just read it all in one go and have to say, you have got amazing writing skills K-Shandra! This story is fantastic! At the same time, the way you write makes it even better!

I loved your idea of Anurag not getting his full memory back in one jolt, and realizing only bits and pieces of it. Maybe gradually he'll remember everything. But, it's ok even if he doesn't. Anupam and Prerna helping him understand his flashes in such a non-pushy way is so in-character. On the other hand Mohini does exactly what she is expected to. Pre and Anupam showing Mohini the mirror are goals here! And I loved loved loved the delivery scene!

Your writing makes the scenarios so believable. I don't exactly know what happens during and after childbirth, but could still feel the emotions of the parents in your writing. There is no unnecessary drama, or prolonged pointless banter between AnuPre, which I love. Your story is so crisp.”

Ugh,there are so many points for discussion in this post…

They way I write… look, I love Tolkien, but if I was his editor I would have saved an entire Sappi forest not just trees.

Point being, I firmly believe in keeping my writing trim, to the story and to the point. I have enough problems controlling characters during dialogue scenes – they just want to say so much!

As far as Anurag’s memories…

(Spoiler) In one of the coming scenes Anupam says it best: The memories that hang the heaviest are those easiest remembered. Anyone who understands how the mind works, will know memories are attached to people, places, smells, sounds and music. (In short: feelings) Those have to be recreated to trigger memories especially if the amnesia is prolonged. This is why doctors maintain that if one’s memories don’t come back quickly, they may never come back. In the plotline of the series: a month passing for Anurag while having amnesia is akin to writing off the memories, which is probably why Komilika kept him away from everyone.

This is not just a dramatization used in films or TV serials – there is hard science there to back it up. It has everything to do with the synapses across the brain being disrupted. Memories returning signify the reestablishment of these connections.

As far as Mohini… I’m currently working on the scene where she has a face-off with Anurag, but I had to get the setting right first though.

Prerna’s delivery was pretty much textbook to real life – minus most of the gory details.

Any banter between AnuPre should be kept relevant. Anurag only ever jousts Prerna into something when she is reluctant to acknowledge him or agree with him (also when the wants something) - it is a feature of their relationship and a personality trait he inherited from his manipulative mother. None of the situations in this fic called for such jousting - yet.

Thank you for loving my story and all the compliments.

FLW70
Update?

Ugh, if I’m not disrupted too much (it’s a public holiday here today), there will be one tonight.

Grace4317

"Once again Shandra for such a well-written plot/scene....full of angst, anger, despair, pain....But the sad thing is that we might never get something like this in the show. Our CVs are not this capable."

I did warn at the start there will be angst, drama, hurt, pain... as for the creatives - this sounds nasty - but if they can't do credit to the characters or the storyline they need to be replaced.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

RollingStones

"Wow .... So Anurag has got his memory back ....

Loved how you wrote it ..showing Anurag’s confusion and then family talking abt current state ... IT WAS ALL IN WORDS ......I can very well imagine KZK going for some 2rs chindi CGI effects filled scene to show Anurag getting his memory back ....."

Oh, how I hate to be a party pooper.... Anurag only has some of his memories back - in particular those around loosing Prerna. Memories are triggered by people and feelings. So to trigger the Bajaj memories, Anurag would have to experience the fear of losing Prerna.

To be honest, I've started to pull back from the show as the storyline at the moment makes no real sense (and with my muse engaged in making sense of this fanfic, just sitting back and absorbing non-sense is trying my patience). I don't like the new Komolika - and that is an actor thing - I think Khan did a great job in establishing Komilika's character (she also looked better doing the malicious scenes), the current actress pales in comparison - but that can also be camera angles. (My opinion, hang me if you want.)

On the CV's and Anurag getting his memories back... I'm not certain they even have a clue as to how to go about it. So taking the CGI easy way out would be most likely. (Thank the heavens I'm not epileptic.)

Hope4u

"Hi, loving your work and the way you're building the story.

Just a suggestion, can you add anupre in your title so that we know this is an anupre FF. "

Thank you for stopping by and reading.

Note made, will add the AnuPre to the title.

Really nice your writing skills .........Shandra........Wonderful story.

You made us imaging the story of AnuPre.

Keep writing.........😃😃😃😃...Waiting to read the story...........😃😃

Anurag lay on the scanner’s flatbed, his head placed within the dimly lit tunnel. He tried as best as he could to remain still throughout the procedure, while listening to the series of clicks the machine made as it took images of his skull. Other than that, and a low humming, the room was silent.

He allowed his mind to return to the events that had unfolded earlier the day, His mind still swam with an mishmash of images, none of which made any sense. Then there was his family’s initial reaction to his request to see Prerna, followed by Anupam’s insistence that she was visiting her mother after the birth of their daughter… he had no idea what to believe. He somehow trusted Anupam, not having known the man to keep anything from him, but the reactions from his family almost made the man’s words seem a lie. And then there were the images that constantly flashed over his conscious: Images of a man, with Prerna. Images of the same man taking Prerna away. Images of her with a child. And then there was Shivi’s words… he had no idea what to make of it or whom to believe. His mother said Prerna left, something that was said with far too much certainty for him to simply overlook

“You need to lie still sir,” a voice inside the machine said, jolting him from his thoughts and causing him to reply, “But I am.”

“You’re twitching, the machine cannot generate proper images if you move.”

Anurag again cleared his mind and tried to remain calm, only his thoughts would not settle. More images flooded his mind: images of a foreign land, of Prerna with another man, of Ronit chasing them. Followed by images of him burning her dupatta, him being too late…

“If you don’t calm your thoughts, we’re going to have to sedate you,” one of the operators said, shattering the silence around him.

“But I’m lying still,” Anurag countered.

“Your brain is lighting up like the skies over Kolkata during Diwali. At least we know there is nothing wrong with your thought processes.”

Anurag tried to suppress the thoughts, if only to get through the ordeal, but the doctors finally resorted to giving him a sedative then sent him to one of the rooms to sleep off its effect.

As the drugs wore off the images returned, at times flashing too fast for him mind to fully comprehend the details, but the all seemed linked to Prerna and a man. He shot upright, wide awake. His ears were ringing, his hand burning as the resounding thwack still sounded in his mind. He’d slapped her. He could not believe that he would ever do something like that to her, to his Prerna, but his memory remained insistent: he had slapped her.

“Anu, what happened,” Anupam’s concerned voice reached him from what seemed a million miles away. He turned his head to look at his brother in law, who was rushing to his side.

“I slapped her,” Anurag flatly stated.

“What? Komolika? I’m certain she deserved it.”

Anurag shook his head as he said, “No, Prerna.”

“What?” Anupam exclaimed in disbelief.

“I slapped her, that’s why she won’t speak to me.”Anurag mumbled more to himself.

With his usual flair Anupam tossed his hands up and said in disbelief, “And just why would you slap Prerna?” but when Anurag failed to respond Anupam added, more cautiously, “No, I don’t believe you… I mean you wouldn’t have, you love her far too much to lift your hand to her.”

Anurag’s lowered his face into his hands and took a deep breath as he mumbled, “Anupam what have I done?”

Anupam looked at Anurag, visibly confused, then finally asked, “Just a minute Anu, when did all this happen?”

“I don’t know, I just know that it happened and that she must hate me for it.”

“Almost as much as you hate yourself,” Anupam stated more to himself than to further the conversation.

Anurag turned his head to look at Anupam and dejectedly asked, “How could you know that?”

“Because I know you, Anurag. And chances are that if you are remembering things then it is likely that you are remembering them out of sequence.”

“So why then is there distance between me and Prerna? If she had given birth to my daughter, and we shared such a relationship, why is she not here?”

Anupam shook his head before replying, “Things are very… complicated at the moment.” When Anurag made no response Anupam added, “Look pal, from what I have been able to determine, a great number of memories have returned and you have no idea where they belong or in what sequence events occurred. I told you earlier I’d help you to put them in place wherever I can. I may not be able to help with all of them, but you will at least have some understanding of what’s going on in your mind.”

“And you will be honest with me, not like earlier with story about Prerna and a baby?”

“What did I say that was not true?” Anupam challenged, causing Anurag to stare at him with confusion. “Prerna did give birth to your daughter and, yes, she is with her mother at the moment. So, as with everything in this family, once things have been resolved you and Prerna will once again gravitate towards each other, just as you have always done. I have not said anything that is not true. Besides, you were already confused and worked up enough to complicate matters even more.” He then added in his usual dismissive tone, “And, to be quite frank,I want to be spared a repeat of the last time someone tried to come between you and Prerna. So ask me anything, I’ll tell you all that I can.”

“I have this image of a man around Prerna.”

“Is he older than her?” Anupam fired back.

“Yes.”

“How much older?”

“What?” Anurag asked, disbelieving, adding with concern, “Is Prerna into older men?”

Anupam made to answer at first but then hesitated for a moment before replying, “How much older than her? I need to determine if you are talking of Navine or Bajaj… Actually, wait, this would make it easier,is he like a little attractive or does he like wearing traditional garb?”

“A little attractive?” Anurag asked visibly affronted. “What does she like older plain looking men?”

“No, but they seem to like her, even father in law loves her a lot,” Anupam answered without thought and then realized what he’d said, and added. “Okay I’ll make it easier on you. Navine is in jail for what he tried to do and Rishabh is… well that’s more complex.”

“Really? Anupam? You’re not helping.”

“Okay let me put it this way, Navine is the reason you and Prerna grew close. If it is him in your memories, you would also remember the various rituals you and Prerna ended up performing, unknowingly,and then there was the whole kidnapping drama with you getting married.”

“So that’s when we got married?” Anurag asked seeming a little more at ease. Anupam made to answer, but seemed hesitant,causing Anurag to demand, “That was when we got married, Right?”

“Well, technically, the first time, yes.”

Disbelieving Anurag asked, “First time, what, how many times have we been married?”

“Well that’s more difficult to answer, because it’s complicated.”

“How so?” Anurag demanded.

“Well…um… there is the marriage in the temple before the Goddess.”

“I remember that one,” Although Anurag did not add how much of what had happened afterwards he also remembered.

“Then there was the one in front of the society where she…” Anupam became hesitant.

“Where she what?” Anurag demanded.

“I think the guy in your images is Bajaj.” Anupam said hoping to change the subject.

“Don’t change the subject, what did she do?”

Anupam looked about uncomfortably before hesitantly replying, “She married Bajaj instead.”

“What! But we were married?” Anurag countered in disbelief, “The wedding would only have been a formality… and we’re registered as married, I saw the licence.”

“As I said, it’s complicated, which was partially why no one was willing to even start explaining it to you. Oh, yes, and no one actually knew that your marriage was licenced, well not until you showed us the licence the other day.”

Anurag remained silent for several long moments before he continued, “So what are we actually?”

“According to official records, you are married,although how that even happened I don’t know. One day Prerna was divorcing Bajaj while he was arranging your wedding and the next thing we knew you had gone missing, well at least we know you had an accident you didn’t run off somewhere…” Anupam noticing Anurag’s confusion changed tract, in the hope that Anurag would alter his line of thought, “…but it is obvious that you have only regained part of your memories. So tell you what, why don’t you tell me what you remember and then I will place them in context as best as I can.”

“I remember them being somewhere foreign, a foreign city perhaps?”

Anupam breathed a sigh of relief when Anurag took up his offer, however flatly replied, “That’s Zurich, they had gone there on their honeymoon.”

Anurag seemed visibly confused when he asked, “But why was I there?”

“There was a publishing conference on at the same time, Both Nivi and I were also present.”

“So why was I there?”

“Well, if I were to be totally honest with you, I would say that you were hell-bent on getting Prerna back. You did not for a minute believe she married Bajaj for love. And considering what we have since leaned – you were right.”

“What do you mean by what we’ve since learned?”

“Well this morning was a revelation, I’m certain that if you think back hard enough you’ll remember.”

“Anupam just tell me, I really don’t have time for all this. If she said it recently I’m certain I’ll remember it once this nervous sense I have now has dissipated.”

“Wait, you’re nervous?” Anupam asked concerned.

“I have this fear that she’s going to slip away from me again, I can’t explain it.”

Anupam appeared hesitant, which caused Anurag to pin him with a stern glare as he somewhat hesitantly demanded, “It’s already happened, hasn’t it? That’s why she’s not answering my calls? Why she’s not here?”

“Anurag, just slow down, I can see you are upset and it is not going to help you.” Anupam held up his hands and then several moment later cast them up exclaiming, “This is just so difficult to even begin to explain.”

“What is?” Anurag demanded.

“Well most of us know Prerna married Bajaj as part of some arrangement, but non of us really thought to consider the series of events before their marriage… I think everyone was too shocked by her actions to really think as to why she would do such a thing.”

“What do you mean?” Anurag asked, confused.

“This morning, when you guys returned…” Anupam started but Anurag interrupted him.

“Wait, she was with me this morning?” Anurag asked in disbelief.

“Yes you both returned from Mumbai this morning.”

Anurag just looked at him in shock as he said, “I should remember what happened, but it’s all muddled.”

“I think it’s much the same for everyone who was present this morning, even father-in-law needed time to process everything.”

“What happened, I only remember bits of being at an airport.”

“Well when you returned mother-in-law had one of her moments, where after Prena, in no uncertain terms explained exactly how she came to marry Bajaj. I mean we knew it was an agreement, but we never understood why she was as loyal to him if it was only an agreement.”

A series of images crossed Anurag’s mind. In all of the Prerna remained adamant that she would remain with Bajaj, that she was his wife… only her eyes lied.

“What was the agreement?”

“Her freedom for yours.”

“What? How?” Anurag demanded.

“You were facing the death penalty, so she made a deal with the devil and got you released. You know, I only now realized how hard it must have been for her. You were relentless in your pursuit and she knew that no matter what, even if she wanted to, she could not come back to you. She it was her loyalty and freedom for your life.”

A series of images flashed across his mind, him begging her to explain, him pushing her for her reason - knowing she would never willingly do something like that to him. He recognized the frustration he’d felt, along with the hurt and anguish that had filled his soul. Anger was the first emotion that registered. He was angry with her for making such a decision, livid that she could so easily play with their love.

Anurag drew in a long, deep breath with the hope of calming himself. Just then her words sounded in his ear, “I, and I alone knew what could be done and what I needed to do. And because I would rather live in a world where Anurag is alive I took the decision that was needed.” Without needing any feedback from Anupam, Anurag knew they had been said earlier, along with several other things that had confused him at the time, but when put into perspective created a very different view to the one he had before. Something did not sit well with him, he could not place if it was Anupam’s words, his family’s earlier reaction but he knew he needed answers.

“Prerna is at her maternal home, right?” Anurag asked.

Anupam hesitantly answered, “Yes, what are you thinking.”

“That I won’t allow her to put any distance between us again.” Anurag made to get up only for Anupam to stop him.

“Wait, Anurag, it is not that simple, you can’t just go there and demand she returns home with you.”

Frustrated Anurag demanded, “So what should I do? I won’t let her slip out of my life again.”

“Which is exactly my point. There are complex issues here that cannot simply be disregarded or overlooked. Unless you address the reason for her departure, she will not return or even allow you into her life again.”

Anurag was knocked breathless at that and shook his head in denial, “It can’t be that bad.”

“It can and it is. To be honest I’m surprised it took her this long.”

“What are you talking about? What’s the problem?”

“The problem heads our household, and does not like Prerna.”

“You mean mom.”

“Yes, mother-in-law.”

“But Prerna understands her,” Anurag tried to reason.

“Prerna is now a mother who will be as fiercely protective of her child as your mother is of you.” Anurag started, he watched Anurag nod in agreement before continuing, “Ask yourself this, would your mother have allowed anyone to question or insult her in front of you?”

Visibly affronted Anurag quickly replied, “No, never! She would have given the person a piece of her mind.”

“So do you think Prerna will let your mother continue to berate her the way she has been in front of her, sorry your,daughter? No she won’t. Which was why she left the house and you.”

“But it can’t be that bad? I mean it is mom.”

“Everyone has their limits Anu, and you’ve never really seen how mother-in-law behaves towards Prerna. Your mother attacks Prerna when you’re not around, and while I may have seen more of it than you, I can assure you I haven’t seen the half of it.” Anurag looked at Anupam in disbelief, causing him to add, “And if you don’t believe me you can ask Nivedita… She’s had sleepless nights since you unmasked Komolika again.”

Bemused, Anurag said, “But what am I supposed to do now? I mean on the one side there is my mom and my family and on the other side there there’s Prerna and my daughter, I can’t choose between them.” Flashes of Prerna’s words to his mother before leaving flashed before him. She had been resolute. Her words stabbed even though they were only a memory.

“Look, everyone knows that neither of you function properly without the other. So you need to make sense of things and decide what is important to you and focus on that, because Prerna will never ask you to choose. But if you don’t do anything, she will stick to the decision she has made.”

Anurag’s blood turned cold.

I just started reading this FF.Its brilliant!! So very well written👏 Finished the first 3 parts..hoping to finish the rest today itself

Read few parts... Its really going good

Will finish reading rest parts

Finally caught up. Glad to see Prerna not taking any of Mohini's BS. But I wonder, what is she thinking of Anu at the moment? After he fainted in front of her.

Originally posted by: K-Shandra

Mohini again made to speak but Moloy held up his hand, “I don’t want to hear it. You will need to explain your actions to your son, and Prerna, somehow. But today you have again ousted my first grandchild and her mother, and I will never forgive you for that.” He again held up his hand to silence Mohini, “Anu might have been blind in his love for you, but hear me when I say, he will not forgive you this. Prerna and Anurag cannot be separated for long, we all know this, yet you still try to come between them. You will lose your son because of this. hear what I tell you.” And with that he turned from her and looked to Anupam as he said, “Let me know what happens. I need some distance on this, so that I can think of a means to appease Prerna and gain access to my granddaughter.”

A shocked Mohini watched him leave.

I was wondering why a man like Moloy would ever marry someone nasty like Mohini and I think you've given me an explanation here. There was an earlier paragraph that he wished Anu to have a boy next.

Your muse seems to be very active. It's a good thing for us.

Hey this is beautiful..don't know how I missed it before but read the entire part in one go... Please update soon ...

Anurag checked his keys phone and bag before crossing the living area and making his way to the door.

“Anu!” His mother’s voice beckoned him, causing him to pinch his lips and close his eyes momentarily. He then turned to face her,pasting a fake smile on his face. “Anu come you must sit, you have not eaten anything yet.”

“Mom, I have to get going, I’m running late.” Anu excused himself but could by the expression on his mothers face deduce that she would not allow him to leave so easily.

“Come now, Anu, you must have something,” Mohini sweetly insisted.

Irritation started clawing at him, followed by a strengthened sense of disbelief that his mother would even try to stop him. “Mom, I really have to go.” Anu said trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.

Instantly Mohini’s stance and tone changed, it was less cajoling and more acerbic as she said, “You’re going to see that girl, aren’t you?”

Anurag took a deep breath knowing it would not get him anywhere if he chose to get into an argument with her, but at the same time he also had a point to make, thus he questioned in reply, “What girl are you talking about?”

“You know very well which girl I am speaking of.”

Being deliberate he replied, “Oh, you mean Prerna?I’m going to meet Prerna. You know mom she has a name, which given that she is my wife should be taken with respect.”

“Anu!” his mother chided him, “How dare you speak tome like that?”

Anurag only held up his hands in response then said, “You know what mom, I don’t have time for all this, as it is I am running late.”

Affronted, Mohini retorted, her tone cutting, “How dare you even try to tell me how I should speak, and that too about a servant’s daughter!”

“Mom,” Anurag said again holding up his hands to show that he’d had enough.

Mohini pointed her finger at him and said,“Understand this, Prerna is not the daughter in law of this house, and she never will be.”

“That is a bit difficult,” Anurag threw back,“…especially considering she is my wife.”

“She is no such thing!” Mohini insisted, “You never got married!”

Anurag felt his ire rise, but knew that it was not the time to engage his mother in an argument. His morning was likely to be trying enough without starting it with an argument, much needed as it may be.He visibly checked himself before stating, “Mom, I have to go.”

“That girl can wait!” Mohini insisted.

Angry Anurag replied, “That may be so, and she might even be willing to, but the Court won’t.”

“Court?” Mohini asked, at first startled then appeared confused.

“Yes,” Anurag bit back, “…the court. It’s Komolika’s formal hearing this morning and I am attending it with my attorney.”

Just then Moloy approached them, he was also ready to leave. “Where are you off to?” He asked Anurag.

“The court hearing is this morning,” Anurag automatically answered.

“Oh you should have told me, I would have accompanied you.” Moloy replied, causing Anurag to look at him questioningly.

“Where are you going?”

“I thought I would go see the Sharma’s and apologize to them.”

Instantly Mohini appeared irritated. She declared outright, “That is not needed.”

Moloy simply looked at her and then said, “You may think so, but as Rajesh’s friend and grandfather of Shena, I feel that it is not only needed, I’m outright embarrassed by your behaviour. I just hope they will accept my apology and allow me to at least see my granddaughter.”

“Dad knows where they are staying?” Anurag asked, hopeful.

“Of course I know where they are staying, I’ve made it my business to ensure Rajesh’s widow and family is safe. Rajesh would have done the same for me.” Mohini made to say something but Moloy held up his hand to silence her, “Whatever we have today is due to the friendship we shared, and while Veena has been graceful in her understanding of this, some people,” He looked pointedly at Mohini, “…should come to understand that.”

“Can I have their address? That way I can go see them once the court has finished.”

“I’ll send it to you.” Moloy said, adding, “…but you had best get going.”

Anurag sat in the court, it was fuller that he thought it would be. He could feel his ire rise as matters continued to dragon. He checked his phone again, having switched it to silent rather than switch it off entirely. Still there was no call or message from Prerna. He had tried to phone her several times before the court started, but each of them had gone unanswered. He had then opted for messages, but even they had gone unanswered.Having no other option he had tried Shivani’s number, but even she had not picked up the call.

Finally they brought in Komolika. He shook his head and felt disgusted by the fact that he’d not been able to recognize her earlier.

The prosecutor started reading the charges but before he could even proceed past the first, Komolika’s attorney stood up and addressed the court. He first proceeded to dismiss all the charges on the basis that the person before the court was not the person being charged. And when asked to substantiate the claim, the attorney produced official documents stating that the person before the court was Sonalika and thus she could not be charged. The magistrate checked the documents and then dismissed the case.

Komolika smugly looked at Anurag as fear crept along his spine. With Komolika in jail, Prerna, Shena and his family would be safe,but he knew Komolika well enough to know that the moment she set foot outside the court, his entire family and Prerna’s would be in danger.

A sickening nauseous sensation overcame him, causing him to swallow several times. He breathed deeply several times and did his best to control the disquiet that filled him, at the very least retain some control over it.

Moloy stood before the door and visibly swallowed.Never in his life had he felt as subservient when approaching Rajesh’s widow. He looked up at the small modest house… it was not grand, but then Rajesh’s family had always remained modest, even their house had been that. But the warmth and love it contained certainly made up for anything anyone could have thought lacking.

He reached out and knocked on the door, hoping someone was home. He had not bothered to call before hand, for he had not wanted to forewarn them of his arrival and intent.

Several long moments later, Suman opened the door.She looked him over with disdain and eventually said, “What can I help you with.”

Moloy placed his hands together in greeting and then said, “I was hoping to speak with your mother-in-law.”

Suman flatly stated in reply, “She does not want to speak to any of you.”

“Please, just a few minutes, tell her I bear no ill will.”

Just then Veena stepped into the doorway and said to Suman, “Go finish your chores, I will deal with this.” Suman nodded and left,leaving Moloy to face a visibly annoyed Veena.

“Mrs Sharma…” but before he could continue, Veena cut him short, “Whatever you are about to say, it is unneeded.” Moloy for a moment looked at her and was about to continue Veena again cut him short. “You know Mr. Moloy, for many years my family has born the brunt of your wife’s conceit.My children have been insulted. The morals with which we have raised them were questioned, insulted and belittled. But because Rajesh was your friend and because you have always treated us as your family, even though your wife opposed any association with us and went out of her way to insult my husband as well, we tolerated it. But let me tell you Mr. Basu a woman who can cast out her daughter in law and her own grandchild, does not deserve inclusion in their lives. And with that, those who support her, whether vocally or by remaining silent, need not be considered either.” Veena placed her hands together as she said, “So please spare me the apologies, explanations or plights of regret. I will not allow any of you to question or insult my grand child. Your son may have given her his name, but he has not done anything else for either her or her mother. He has also failed to protect either of them from his mother’s taunts and barbs. So please Mr. Moloy don’t come here with your sweet words and empty promises. We both know Mrs Mohini well enough to know that even were you to reprimand her, she will only watch her words and actions for a few days before once again unleashing her tongue on us once again. So it would be best of you to leave.”

“Please, Veena just hear me out, I ask for only a few moments of your time.”

Veena took a long and deep breath and then moved her head in a gesture he assumed meant he could continue.

“I fully understand your stance on this, and would even have supported it were it not my grandchild we were discussing. Ever since Anurag and Prerna were old enough, I tried to convince Rajesh that we should get them married to one another. I have dreamt of this grandchild ever since then, which is why I am even willing to beg you to allow me to see her.” Veena visibly squared her shoulders, while her brow knit. Moloy however continued. “Please do not deprive this child of the love of both her grandfathers. Please.”

Veena shook her head before replying, “And when this child grows older, how will we explain to her that by birth she should have received all the status recognition and wealth your family enjoys, but because of your wife’s views, she was denied it. No. It is far better for this child to grow up between us, within the class her mother was born into. Here she will beloved. Were she to grow up and have contact with you she will resent us for supposedly keeping her from her rights, rather than the truth of the matter. Neither Prerna nor I need that.”

“Then at least allow us to support the child, help with the expenses.”

“And how do you think Mohini is going to perceive that?” Veena outright demanded, “That our family is once again accepting alms from you? Or that it was once again some deliberate plan on our side to gain access to your wealth. She cannot accept Anurag and Prerna’s love for what it is, and we are tired of suffering her insults. Trust me Mr. Moloy, things are better this way, for everyone involved, but mostly for Prerna and the baby. So please respect her decision and leave from here, we suffered enough at the hands of your family.”

Moloy had no idea what to say in reply, however asked, “Could I just make one request?”

Veena nodded her head.

“Can I speak with Prerna?”

“Prerna and Shena are not here, they are at the anti-natal clinic.”

Immediately concerned, Moloy asked, “Is everything okay with Shena?”

“It’s just a check up, it’s perfectly normal.”

“Please tell her I would like to speak with her.”

“I will do so, but I cannot assure you that she would want to speak with you.”

With that Moloy left, feeling more dejected than he had on arrival.

A frustrated, concerned yet chest-fallen Anurag returned home. Both Nividita and Anupam descended on him the moment he entered.

“So tell us what happened?” Anupam gleefully asked

“They let her go,” Anurag flatly replied.

A shocked Nividita exclaimed, “What? You cannot be serious!”

“I think her father used his connections and had documents drawn up claiming she is someone else entirely, so she cannot be charged. According to the records, Komolika is dead and Sonalika is .”

“How does she manage to do this time and again? This means that she will not even be held accountable for what she did Vikram, Mr. Sharma or dad.”

Anurag shook his head, “I don’t know.”

“What about the charges of her claiming to be your wife?”

“The attorney explained to me that even though the prosecution could have progressed with the charge. My condition will count against it, as they will twist I that I misunderstood her concern and as not to distress me she went along with it.”

Nividita angrily said, “That is so Komolika.”

“What do we do now?” Anupam asked.

“First we need to tighten security, Komolika is free again so everyone needs to be careful. She will seek vengeance.”

“Especially against Prerna and father in law,”Anupam reasoned.

“Speaking of father, has he returned? He said he was going to meet the Sharmas.” Anupam immediately became hesitant, causing Anurag to add, “I guess it did not go well.”

“Mrs Veena would not even allow him into the house.”

Anurag hopefully asked, “Did he at least see Prerna and the baby?”

“They were not there.”

Immediately concerned, bordering on petrified Anurag demanded, “What?! Where are they?” he reached for his phone and automatically hit Prerna’s speed-dial.

“Relax,” Anupam insisted, “Father in law said she’d taken Shena for a routine checkup.”

Anurag’s call was rejected, which caused him to dial it again. Again it was rejected. “You don’t understand Anpam,” Anurag said in frustration, “Komolika is free and Prerna is not talking to me, she won’t even answer my call. I have to warn them.”

Anurag tried Shivani’s number but the call was also rejected. He looked at Nivedita and Anupam but then shook is head. “If they are rejecting my calls they will reject yours as well.”

“Where are you going?” Anupam demanded as Anurag turned from them.

“To go see Prerna, to warn them, and to take the needed steps to protect them.”

******* WARNING: tissues are mandatory for the next chapter.*******

*******Update on the weekend *******