Hey you beautiful people!! 😃 I'm back with another chapter! Took me time to think up of a plot and all! Lolz. But I hope you guys like it and do let me know if you don't understand anything whatsoever. Enough babbling … ENJOY!! Re-cap: Adi escapes Kasturi. Abishek ji gets even closer to Kasturi. They both seem pretty much in love… Devika makes Kasturi believe that she (Devika) paid the bills for Mukti and lies to get Kasturi work for her once again. Adi and Shivani have a huge argument over the night she spent with him. All this was witnessed by a disgusted Kasturi. Kasturi's first day back at work and she's already been threatened by Shivani. Kasturi plays with Little Pragati, where she realises that Little Pragati knows Adi. What'll happen next…? WRONG FALL Set-back: Kasturi is shocked, she can't believe what she's seeing; the cuuuute little girl with arch enemy Adi?! Adi is yet to notice who had crashed into him! Meeting in heaven… or coincidence from hell? Kasturi let out a gasp… the gas was loud enough for the whole three of them to hear. Adi, who had been rubbing his nose on Little Pragiti's nose turned to face the third figure. Seeing Kasturi, he almost dropped Little Pragati! "TUM?!" they both said in unison. Anger and disgust sped through Kasturi like a tornado, while a cyclone of emotions (which he even didn't know himself) gushed through Adi. "What are you doing here?!" they then both asked each other at the same time. Kasturi breathed heavily. "I work here!" she said in contempt, when he interjected. "Well I happen to *live* here Kasturi!" replied in the same tone, trying to look down upon her. Kasturi's cheeks went red! 'Oh no! It's his house as well! I just remembered… no wonder this mansion is massive!' thought an embarrassed Kasturi to herself looking down and avoiding his gaze. His gaze was intense; he was studying her all right. But one thing he knew for sure was, that the girl who stood in front of him looked beautiful. Kasturi could still feel the intensity; suddenly she began to feel extremely conscious of her looks. However, she had chosen her 'work clothes' well. She was wearing a cotton black and white salwaar kameez with matching slippers, which helped cool her down a tad bit in the heat of Mumbai city. She had also decided to pull her long thick hair into a pony tail, which showed her soft features.
Looking at her; Adi just wanted to touch her face and play with her hair but had to snap out of his reverie when he heard her sharp tone.
"Please Aditya, stop staring at me like that!" she clipped. A flash of anger shot through him and before he could stop himself "Oh please don't think I'm looking at you, you're looking extremely horrible in those tacky clothes you've worn so shu'…"
"Bhaiyya!?"chimed Little Pragati. They both realised that the little girl was still there in Adis' arms. Kasturi composed herself while Adi managed to stop himself just in time before he swore. "Hey my cutie pie!" he said kissing her cheek once again. "I was just joking!" he said half-laughing. Kasturi plastered a smile and agreed. "Haan haan sweetie, we were just joking! Adi mere achche dhost hain!" she said with great difficulty. Adi and Kasturi looked at each with disgust (when little Pragati wasn't looking!). "Anyways, what brings you here to the Mehra side of the house?" asked Adi trying to keep his voice even. "Errrm… I… um… got lost!" replied Kasturi looking away. Adi snorted, but before Kasturi could retort "Chalo my sweet Pragati, lets take your Kasturi didi back where she needs to go!" said Adi, putting Pragati down. Adi caught Kasturi glaring at him. He just smirked, and just started walking. Kasturi hadn't budged from her place; instead she stood there scowling. 'Battameez!' she thought to herself. She sighed heavily. Kasturi had caught up with Adi and Pragati.
Pragati giggled and walked purposely on Adi side, which meant Kasturi had to walk side by side with Adi. A fact neither liked at all. Kasturi did her best not to look at Adi, and Adi did his best to talk to little Pragati and not Kasturi. But little Pragati being cheeky kept bringing Kasturi into the conversation. "So Pragati, how was school today?" asked Adi as the three walked in one single line. "Teek tha Bhaiyya! But I had more fun with Kasturi didi today!" she replied giggling again. Kasturi turned to her smiled. "Achcaaaa!! Woh kyun?" asked Kasturi. "Kyunki you couldn't catch me! Meaning I won!" said Pragati cheekily. "Aare! No you didn't win! The game hadn't finished yet!" replied Kasturi. "Yes it did!! I won!" retorted Pragati. "Aise kasie…" started Kasturi, when Adi interrupted. "Aaree bus bus!! We'll have a re-play! That way it'll stop both of you arguing and leave me in peace!" said a disgruntled Adi. Both Kasturi and Pragati burst out laughing at that remark. Puzzled Adi turned to the both of them "Kya?!" he asked. But neither replied and just continued to laugh. Shaking his head he continued to walk with the two now definitely –labelled nut cases. He finally brought Kasturi to the right side of the house. Kasturi smiled cautiously and said "thanks". She bent down and kissed Pragati on the cheek and told her to take good care of herself. She turned to Adi and stared at him. 'Was he really that bad as she thought he was?' she asked herself. "Bye" said Adi and walked off hand-in-hand with Pragati.
As Adi walked along her, Pragatis' sudden question made him almost trip! "Bhaiyya?! You really like her don't you?!" she asked giggling. Adi stared at her "Kya?!" he said almost yelling. Had he heard right?! "I mean what did you say?!" he asked astonished. She giggled more covering her mouth. "You've begun to talk too much Pragati!" he said raising his eyebrow. Pragati just grinned. "Do you want to marry her Bhaiyya?" she asked. "Waaaaay too much!" he said. They had reached her room. "Come on enough talking and I'll tuck you in bed!" he said cutting the subject short, which still played on his mind. "Ohhhh!" wailed a crest-fallen Pragati "I want to stay up more!" she whined pouting. Adi smiled. 'So adorable' he thought. "Nahi baby! Come on now, It's well past your bedtime, and if your mum catches me with you- *I'll* be the one in trouble!" he stressed looking at an upset Pragati. "I'll read you your favourite bedtime story!" he said. This seemed to have worked as Pragati (Dejectedly) got in her cosy four-poster bed. Adi waited till she was ready and he began to read her story, no sooner he had begun, they both drifted off to sleep.
Shakuntala Devi, wanted to see if her daughter was alright and asleep, as she knew Pragati had a knack for staying up too late. She poked her head through the door and smiled at the sight. Pragati slept peacefully near Adi. They both looked so cute together as they lay there fast asleep. She walked in quietly and trying not to wake either of them up, she took the book away and placed in on the shelf. Turning off the lamplight she exited the room.
It's really late (almost 3.00 in the morning.)and bechari Kasturi is in her office still working away. She's hell-bent on finishing her kaam, so she could go home and not come back till the following week. It was bank holiday, so she really wanted to make the most of it… Kasturi poured over the paper work sitting at her expensive desk. There were files all over the desk. And there was a stack of magazines to her right, which was waiting for her. She had to get this done. She checked her watch and realised it had just gone 3.00am. For some strange reason, she was wide-awake. 'Maybe it's the workload I have to finish.' Thought Kasturi. 'Or maybe was it something else?' she asked herself. She smiled to herself when she thought about the hours that had gone by. She had seen a different side to Adi. Was he really that bad as she thought he was? It suddenly hit her like lead… the phone bill… the embarrassments she had to endure… His revenge on Shivani… She scowled to herself. 'He's a daemon!' She thought to herself angrily. No one can change in the space of two hours! 'He's horrible! The things he's done… the things he's capable of doing!' she thought, with more anger coursing down her. She was surprised with herself. She couldn't believe she had become so angry thinking about one person. Suddenly a new emotion took over her… Enough was enough she thought. It was time to take a stand. She was sick of being ridiculed at. Sick of being emotionally tortured… she moved her hand, which knocked the stack of magazines over and making it fall with a loud thud. Kasturi gasped; she quickly stood up and started picking the magazines up.
Meanwhile, Devika who was still awake herself heard the thud and came rushing to where the sound had come from. She stood outside Kasturi's office door and heard some ruffling within. She pushed the door open and saw Kasturi picking up magazines from the floor. "Kasturi?" she asked concerned. Kasturi looked up and saw Devika standing at her door in her nightclothes. "Devika maam? Aap?" asked Kasturi. "Kasturi what are you doing here at this time? Your shift ended at 9.00pm. This is a crazy hour to be up and working!" exclaimed Devika. "Par maam, there was so much work that had to be done and I still haven't finished." replied Kasturi in a small voice.
Devika maam held up her hand. "Enough overworking yourself isn't good. Stop this work and get some rest. You're not going home at this time. It's too dangerous. Stay over in the guest room" she ordered. "Aare nahi nahi maam, I can ask Abhishek to pick me up." Kasturi protested. "Abhishek?" asked Devika confused. "Oh maam, my fianc" she replied. Kasturi didn't understand why she kept calling him her fianc when the engagement hadn't even taken place yet. "Oh I see. But it is really late Kasturi. Don't bother him. Just go get some rest for a few hours!" Devika said. Kasturi realised Devika was right. "ok maam, but guest room?" asked Kasturi. "Come, I'll show you where it is myself." Said Devika taking her to a guest room.
The closest guest room to that side of the house belonged to Mehra side of the family. Devika took Kasturi to one room and bid goodnight. As Kasturi went in, she found herself in the most beautiful bedroom her eyes had ever laid upon. A gorgeous round bed stood in the middle of the room with a closet and matching furniture placed strategically surrounding it. The colour scheme was red black and white, and it looked amazing. Slowly, admiring the scene she made her way to the en suit and washed up. She opened the closet to see if there were any nightclothes she could put on, when a nice comfy looking nightdress caught her eye. It was like a long yellow t-shirt. She changed into the nightdress, which hung a few centimetres above her knees. Something she wasn't comfy with, but it was only for a few hours, 3 to be exact as she didn't feel comfortable sleeping in such a rich house, and it was going to be day light soon.
As she cuddled up in the soft bed, she felt a strange sensation of peace come upon her. Soon she was in a deep sleep…
A few hours later, Kasturi woke up. Light had slowly begun to rise. Yawning and stretching she got out of bed. She checked the time; indeed it was perfect timing, 6.00am. Three perfect hours of sleep she had gotten. She quickly changed into her old salwaar kameez she had worn the previous day and walked out of the room. She turned right and carried on walking when realised, once again she was lost! She had reached an unfamiliar landing, when she heard someone speak. "Looking for something?" he asked. Kasturi spun around to face Adi. "Oh let me guess, you're lost?! Or are you getting lost to purposely meet some one?!" he asked with a sneer planted across his face. Kasturi understood he was talking about himself… "So full of yourself aren't you?!" she gritted through her teeth. Adi narrowed his eyes at her tone. "You're just a spoilt guy, who doesn't even care about anybodies feelings- especially Shivanis'! You have no humanity whatsoever!" she continued in anger. "How dare you talk to me in that tone, in MY house?" he growled. Kasturi glared at him "Yeh Ghar tumhara nahi hain! It's your dads!" she said angrily and made her to walk away, when Adi had grabbed her elbow "Ek minute Kasturi!" he growled and pulled her close to him. Kasturi winced. "
"You!" he barked, "know NOTHING about me!!" he continued trying hard not shout as it was early morning. "NOTHING!!" he snarled shaking her. "I don't have feelings right?!" he said hysterically; he looked really mad. "Then explain to me what I should've done?!" he said roughly, he didn't realise that his grip on Kasturi's upper arms had tightened. "You're hurting me Adi" said Kasturi her voice full of pain. Adi stared into Kasturi eyes. Kasturi couldn't read his expression, but she felt his grip loosen. Taking this opportunity, she wrenched out of his grasp to walk away when she came to face Shakuntala Devi. Kasturi stood rooted to the spot, as Shakuntala Devi studied Kasturi. Adi took a step forward, "Bua?!" he asked cautiously. 'Had she heard everything?' he thought desperately to himelf. "Adi?! Tum yaha the? I was looking all over for you!" she said smiling. Both, Adi and Kasturi breathed a sigh of relief- she hadn't.
"Bua, main aane waale tha, bus I was just talking to Kasturi" he said. Hearing her name, Shakuntala Devi's eyes lit with happiness. Turning to Kasturi and smiling, "Toh tum ho Kasturi?" she said placing her hand on Kasturi's cheek. Kasturi smiled cautiously, "Ji" she replied in a small voice. Grinning, "Main Pragati ki maa hoon. She only woke up half hour ago and she's been talking about you non-stop" she replied. Kasturi smiled. "A very sweet and beautiful daughter you have buaji" she said in a small voice. Shakuntala Devi laughed, "Aare why don't you come with us on our trip to Pune?" she asked Kasturi and turning to Adi she said "This is the reason why I've been looking for you Adi!" exclaimed Shakuntala Devi. "Oh bua, Don't worry zaara thaiyyariyaan ho chuke hain. I'm ready and I've packed as well." Replied Adi.
Kasturi smiled at Shakuntala Devi, "I would love to Bua ji lekin, kaam bohot zyaada hi hain, and I can't leave Devika maam." She replied. "Oh don't worry about kaam, Main baat karungi Devika ji ki saath. I'm sure she'll let you go" she said confidently. "Lekin maam, mere paas toh koi naya kapare nahi hain." Said Kasturi in a small voice. "Oh ho, you're worried over little little things, ek minute ruko…" she said brushing of Kasturi. Adi stood there in silence. "Kundan…" she said out loud, and the next minute Kasturi saw a butler at their side, "Kundan, yeh Kasturi hain, can you get her some clothes- because she'll be coming with us on the trip." Said Shakuntala Devi. "Ji memsaab" replied the butler and asked Kasturi to follow him. Shakuntala Devi was already on the phone to Devika and by the looks of it Devika had agreed to letting Kasturi go. "Kasturi…" called Shakuntala Devi. "Devika maam as agreed, you can come with us! Pragati will love this surprise!" she said gleefully. Trying to smile back Kasturi followed the butler with a heavy heart. Adi just ignored her.
Kasturi is all packed and ready to go. She feels restless. She's going on a trip with a bunch of people she doesn't even know. How she wished she could have tried harder to stay back… Kasturi followed the butler back into the lounge, where Shakuntala Devi and her husband were waiting. "Dekho Kasturi aagayi hain!" said Shakuntala Devi grinning. Kasturi smiled back. Her husband, Raj stood there grinning from ear to ear. "Chalo Kasturi, every one is waiting outside." He said and with that, they all made their way to coach that was parked outside in their lawn.
As Kasturi stood there, feelings of dread and came upon her. She didn't know what was bugging her but something good wasn't going to happen- that was for sure. She really wished she had tried harder to stay back. While she packed, she had managed to speak to Abhishek who had comforted her and convinced her to go- a thing she was extremely grateful for. There seemed to be a lot of people here- and she began to feel out of place. She hugged herself, when Shakutala Devi announced to the whole family "is everyone here? Adi?!" she asked. "Ji Bua?!" said Adi popping out of nowhere. Kasturi stared at him, but he ignored her completely. This for some reason disturbed Kasturi. "Beta, can you help check the luggage and see if everything is packed?" she asked him. "Teek hain Bua By the way Bua, we're still waiting for my sister" he replied and walked off. "Kyaa?! Yeh Ladki bina!" said Shakuntala Devi shaking her head when she noticed Kasturi standing all by herself. "Kasturi…" she said smiling. "Chalo mere saath, I'll introduce you to my brother and bhabi" she continued. Kasturi smiled and followed Shakuntala Devi. "Suyesh…" she called touching the man's shoulder. Suyesh turned to face his older sister "Ji didi?"
"Yeh hain Kasturi…" she started motioning to the lady that stood beside her when she found that needed to speak no more. "Ohhh toh tum hain Kasturi?!" he asked smiling. Kasturi nodded smiling back. "Pragati hasn't stopped talking about you!" he said chuckling. "Welcome welcome! I hope you have fun with us!" he continued. Before Kasturi could reply, his phone rung… "excuse me…" he said and answered his call. Kasturi took an instant liking to Suyesh ji. She liked his warmth that radiated from him. "Aur yeh hain unki patni, Pallavi." Said Shakuntala Devi breaking Kasturi's thoughts. "Hello Bhabi" she said to the woman who stood only a few feet away. Pallavi looked up from the map she was holding and smiled briefly. "Kaise ho Shakuntala!" she asked. "main teek hoon" she replied. "Bhabi, yeh Kasturi hain.". she said introducing her to Pallavi. "Oh" she said but didn't seem to enthusiastic as she went back to looking at the map. Kasturi's face fell, noticing this Shakuntala devi rapidly changed the subject. "Chalo, I think we should get a move on!" she called out to everyone. Just then Kasturi noticed a girl dressed in a black top and white pant running in her dainty heels towards the coach. She finally reached the coach, where she almost tripped. Kasturi who was standing only a foot away, managed to stop her from falling. "Thanks" she panted. "Are you ok?" asked Kasturi. The girl nodded. "Tia!" said Pallavi loudly. Everyone turned to look. "Finally! Tia aagayi, chalo everyone lets get on!" said Shakuntala Devi. Kasturi helped Tia on to the bus. "Thanks!" said Tia. Kasturi smiled. "It's ok! I hope you're ok though" said Kasturi. "Yea I'm fine, just got up late!" she said sheepishly… "but shhhh don't tell that to my mum or dad!! I'm not ready to hear a bhaashan so early!" she said lowering her voice. Kasturi smiled and nodded. "Teek hain! I won't say anything!" said Kasturi as they both chose to sit next to each other at the very back of the coach. Kasturi noticed Shakuntala Devi carry Little Pragati on to the coach. It looked as if she was asleep. 'Bechari, must be really tired. She slept late and she had to wake up early! No wonder she's tired… hopefully I'll get to play with her later on' thought Kasturi to herself.
"By the way I'm Tia!" she said, interrupting Kasturi's thoughts. Kasturi smiled. "jaanthi hoon" she replied. "huh? How?" asked Tia. Kasturi continued to smile, "because Pallavi maam, called you just a few minutes ago!" she replied . "Ohhh! Duh!" said Tia slapping her forehead and they both laughed. "Well, that's my mum for you!" she said. "Yaani ki Pallavi maam tumhari maa hain?" aksed Kasturi surprised. "Haan!" replied Tia. "and Adi is your brother?" asked Kasturi. "Mmmhumm" said Tia. 'I never knew that!' thought Kasturi to herself. Adi definitely took his genes from his mother. It was so obvious, where Tia was bubbly and friendly just like her father. She was very beautiful too. "I'm the youngest out of the whole family!" said Tia. Kasturi sensed a tinge of frustration come out from Tia. "Is that a bad thing?" asked Kasturi. Tia sighed, "Yes and no!" she replied. Kasturi looked at her quizzically. "I never get to do what I want! It's like I'm in a cage! I mean, I'm sixteen years old! I can understand things- I'm not a bachchi! But that's what EVERYONE in the family thinks I am! – ESPECIALLY Adi!!" she said in an outburst. Kasturi chortled. Seeing Tia like this reminded her of her own younger sisters and how much she missed them. "No I mean seriously! Adi is worse than mum and dad! He won't let me go anywhere unless he's there with me! Which can be really embarrassing at times!" she continued. Kasturi just listened. They both had a good time sitting there and cracking jokes as they made their way to Pune. She liked Tia… maybe the trip wasn't going to be that bad after all?
They've finally made it to their pent house where the whole family will be staying. What'll happen next? As Kasturi got off the coach, she couldn't help but admire the scenery. It was a beautiful mountain sight. The hills and trees made the area look so tranquil. Their huge pent house stood above them. It was a magnificent sight.
Tia grabbed Kasturi's hand and started walking in the opposite direction to the entrance of the house. "Tia?! Where are we going? We haven't even told anyone!" said Kasturi worriedly as Tia dragged her along. "Aare Kasturi, don't worry I just want to show you some place!" said Tia excitedly. "Lekin Tia, your family will worry!" exclaimed Kasturi. "No no! They know, this is the first place I want to go whenever I get here!" she replied. Kasturi relaxed a little. They walked for 10 minutes or so, when they finally reached a beautiful cliff. The scenery beyond was amazing and breathtaking. "Wow!" breathed Kasturi. "Hain na?!" squealed Tia with delight. "it's absolutely beautiful!" said Kasturi. Tia nodded. "Haan!" Kasturi looked around the beautiful mountains.
Meanwhile, back at the pent house Adi noticed that both Kasturi or Tia weren't present. "Mum? Where's Tia?" he asked concerned. Pallavi smiled "You worry too much about her! I know she's the youngest! But come on now Adi, where can she possibly get lost around this area?! It's our home town!" she replied. "Lekin mum, I don't want her going around by herself! She's still sixteen!" said Adi. "Son, chill! I'm sure she's gone to the place where she goes every time she comes here" said Pallavi. "Right! I'm off to find her!" said Adi curtly and walked. 'Pointless trying to reason with him!' thought Pallavi to herself and went to relax.
Back at the cliff... Tia had wanted to catch a glimpse of the mountain below and so had made her way to the edge of the cliff..."Tia, be careful! Don't go too close to the edge! The fall is really steep!" said Kasturi. "Don't worry Kasturi! I'll be fine!" as she neared the edge. "Tia! Please come back!" pleaded Kasturi. "No, I can go a bit further! I just want to see what it looks like…", when suddenly she slipped… the next thing Kasturi saw was Tia falling over… "TIAAAAAAAA!!!!" screamed Kasturi, which echoed through out entire area…
That's it from me! Lolz. I hope you liked that. Took me ages to come up with a plot for this chapter. Leave your comments! I promised to do better next time! Will reply to everyone in a bit! Mwah. Edited by Niki_18 - 17 years ago
