I am adding chapter 11 here as i think a lot of people missed that update.
Chapter 11 – Fight your own battle
Ayesha was a light sleeper and she woke up as soon as she heard the knock. It was odd. No one ever came up to her room during the day let alone at this hour of the night. She opened the door slightly, not wanting to awake Neev, she stepped out. Prachi looked like she had been electrocuted. Her hair was all over the place and her eyes looked dry, red and swollen. Clearly she had been crying for some time, and she probably hadn't slept well for a few nights, Ayesha had concluded.
Prachi and Ayesha walked to the balcony quietly. Prachi had a wired relationship with Ayesha. Sometimes she felt so distant from her and at times she barely felt the need to speak. Today was one of those rare times when the sisters seemed to read each other's mind. After a long pause, Prachi said, "He is your best friend, Ayesha". "If anyone can do anything at this point, it is you". Prachi watched as Ayesha's face hardened and she turned to face Prachi. Prachi didn't like that look. It wasn't very sympathetic.
Ayesha had hoped to talk to Milind first but that was no longer an option. He was coming tomorrow and she needed Prachi to pull herself together. "No, Prachi I can't help you", she replied without flinching. "I am Milind's best friend, and its not fair of you to put me in the middle of this." "If you want him to understand your point of view, you need to speak to him directly". "No one else can speak your mind for you". But seeing the obvious hurt on Prachi's face , she changed her tone. Trying her best to look sincere she said, "Prachi, in the past 4 years I have watched you give a new meaning to the word 'mother'. If you yourself are not convinced about your rights, then no one can keep Milind from taking him. Milind is coming tomorrow, and if you want I can come with you to meet him. But you have 10 hours to decide what you want to do. Either you let Milind take him or you fight for him. Now I need to go back to bed Prachi, Neev might get worried if he wakes up." With that Ayesha left without looking back.
The little pep talk had only strengthened Prachi's resolve. Prachi had never intended to let Milind take Ritwik away from her. But Prachi had doubts about her ability to face Milind. Now she was more confident, because no matter what her past was with Milind, she just couldn't live without Ritwik. Ayesha was right, Prachi was Ritwik's mother and no one could refute that. But the last bit was a lie, Prachi thought, as she looked at her sister's form disappearing into the darkness. She had unintentionally witnessed the separated bed in Ayesha's room. She had known that Neev and Ayesha didn't have an ideal marriage. But she didn't know that their differences were so wide that they lived like strangers in one room. Some day soon, when she was done dealing with the current threat to her peace, she would try to bring Ayesha and Neev together, Prachi thought, as she looked up at the stars and remembered her father.
Ayesha had almost sprinted back to her room not wanting to let Prachi see the concern on her face. Even though she had given Prachi what she thought to be a good, encouraging speech, Ayesha herself was worried about how Milind would react to what she had in mind. This was the reason she had wanted to talk to Milind before she said anything to Prachi. But now she could only pray that all goes well.
Neev had awoke when he felt the cold wind blowing in from the open door. He had gotten up when he didn't find Ayesha in her bed and saw her and Prachi talking in the balcony. Something was surely wrong, he thought. Prachi had not been herself for the past week. Actually she hadn't been herself since Inder uncle died but there was something that had been making her restless for the past week. The last time he saw Prachi this worried was when Ritwik was in the hospital. So what could it be that would worry her now. Neev knew there was no use asking either of the sisters. Don't-share-your-problems-with-anyone had become their family motto. He couldn't do anything but keep his eyes and ears open lest the two girls get themselves into trouble.
Here is the next chapter. This is probably the most important chapter till now...and possibly for the whole ff since a lot of confusion is cleared here. But its a huge chapter. I am going to update it in parts. Here is Part I
Chapter 12 – A Solution
Dedicated to peace makers across the globe
He had arrived at Mumbai at the early hours of the day and headed straight to the place he grew up in. No one had been awake at that hour so he knocked on the only door that would open to him without a frown. Asha tai, he had hugged her even before she had a chance to open her eyes and recognize him. She had immediately given him a slap followed by a slew of curses. But he only smiled at the lonely widow as she squinted her eyes to place his face. Her joy was priceless when she realized that it was the naughty boy next door that was standing in front of her today as the wealthiest man of Turkey. Several cups of tea and a few gossips later, Milind had basically kidnapped Asha tai and brought her and all her valuables to his new mansion. Though she had protested initially she gave up after she realized that Milind and Sukriti needed her.
Milind had planned on spending the day with his sister and Asha tai and going to the Shah mansion in the evening. But he was slightly disappointed when Asha tai woke him up from his nap to tell him that Ayesha had called and was coming over to see him. None the less he was excited to meet his best friend after so many years and quickly freshened up and headed downstairs. Ayesha entered almost at the same time as Milind came down and Milind walked up to her to hug her but she just punched him straight in the gut. Milind faked an "ouch" and both of them laughed and hugged each other. "Missed you Ayesha". No sooner had Milind uttered the words when a familiar face came into his view behind Ayesha. And he slowly loosened his grip on his friend and took a few steps back. Ayesha was taken aback by Milind's sudden change in body language. But as she followed Milind's gaze she realized that he had just noticed Prachi standing behind her.
"Tu akeli nahi ayi Ayesha?", Milind asked. Ayesha quickly realized her folly and said, "Tum log kabhi mile nahi ho na? Milind yeh Prachi hai, aur Prachi yeh hai Milind, mera sab se achcha dost. But I shouldn't have to introduce you guys, you know about each other so well. But its so funny that even after so much has conspired, you two have never met before."
Milind took a few steps towards Prachi while Prachi remained rooted. "Ayesha ne kaafi kuch bataya hai tumhare bare mein, lekin aaj pheli baar milna hua hai." Prachi winced as she recollected some old memories and thought how ironic it was that he didn't remember her. "Lekin mujhe aisa kyun lag raha hai ki hum pehle bhi mil chuke hain?". Prachi looked up at his puzzled eyes and tried to find a glimmer of recognition for her in them. But she was disappointed again. Finally she said, "Nahi, hum pehle kabhi nahi mile".
"Then, may I know why Prachi Inder Shah, daughter of the late Mr. Inder Shah, and sister of Alaap Inder Shah is here to see me?", Milind inquired in a mock tone. But the reply came from Ayesha, "Woh Alaap ki hi nahi, meri bhi behen hai Milind. Aur tujhse kuch zaroori baat karni hai usko." The warning in Ayesha's voice didn't escape Milind. "Tum dono baat karo, tab tak mein Sukriti se mil kar aati hoon." Ayesha turned to head towards Sukriti but Milind stopped her. "Agar tu iss Prachi Inder Shah ki behen ban kar aayi hai toh Sukriti se milne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai." Ayesha turned and replied serenely, "Milind, mera naam chahe Ayesha se Ayesha Inder Shah ya Ayesha Neev Shergill ho gaya ho, lekin Ayesha toh Ayesha hi rahegi." Milind immediately realized that he shouldn't have treated his best friend like a stranger but Ayesha didn't wait for his apology.
Part II So now Milind was left alone in the room with Prachi who was staring at him with her bewitching eyes and Milind suddenly felt the room getting smaller and smaller.
"Have a seat" he said, trying to break the eye contact. He walked over to the couch and sat himself down while he wondered why Prachi looked so familiar. It had nothing to do with the fact that he had stared at her photograph for hours or that he had tried to find out as much information about her as he could have. It also had nothing to do with the fact that he had been anticipating this meeting, though he had hoped to meet her in Shah mansion with Ritwik. There was something about her demeanor, the way she talked, or was it her voice that struck him. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had met her before and just couldn't remember it. He ignored the little voice in his head and decided to torture the lamb sitting in front of him.
"Ritwik se milne aane hi wala tha mein. Tum use saath kyun nahi laaye?", he inquired noticing that Prachi was very uncomfortable. "Ritwik apni daadi ke saath market gaya hai. Tum chaho toh ghar par aake mil sakte ho", Prachi replied without looking up at him.
Milind laughed sarcastically, "Now you are going to allow me to meet my nephew? Do you think you are doing me a favor? Don't tell me that you thought you could keep him with you forever." He looked at her menacingly, but as Prachi looked up at him he had to steal his eyes. He was afraid that the longer he stared at her the harder it would be to say the things he wanted to say.
"Milind I didn't mean it like that." But before Prachi could explain further, Milind turned around and said sharply, "I will come to your house Prachi Shah, not for your welcome but to take what is mine. I would have come today itself to bring him back, but you guys decided to show up here instead."
Now Prachi was getting enraged. "What do you mean "bring him back". When was he ever with you, that you can bring him back. He has always been with me. I am his family. He doesn't even know you. Do you think that one fine day you will decide to grace his life with your presence and he'll be ready to accept you. He is a child Milind, who knows only that I am his mother. You are going to take away his mother from him?"
Milind: "He is a child Prachi and he will learn to live without you. You and your family has kept him away from his real mother for long enough. Its time for Sukriti to know her son."
The words "real mother" stung Prachi and she fought the urge to hurl something at Milind. "And you think she will know him if I bring him to her today? She wouldn't even recognize him Milind."
Milind: "And whose fault is that Ms. Prachi Shah." Milind was loosing his composure. But he reminded himself that he needed Prachi alive and tried to remain cool.
Prachi: "I didn't come here to talk about the wrongs done to your sister Milind. But I am here to remind you that two wrongs don't make a right. To appease your sister, you will destroy her son's life. And I am not going to let you settle your scores using Ritwik's life."
Milind: "You have some nerve Prachi to come here and talk to me like this. Where were your humanitarian concerns when my sister was being insulted in front of the whole world. When no one believed in her truth, when everyone supported that rat of a brother you have, when she had to give birth to Ritwik all alone, when she was pushed in the dark abyss of insanity…where were your concerns Prachi? Why didn't you tell your brother then that it was wrong to use a human being for your selfish motives." The thought of Alaap was enough to burst Milind's veins but he stopped to take a few deep breaths and continued. "I have no intention of using my nephew against your family. My sister means the world to me and Ritwik is her son. It is time that he gets to know who his family is."
Prachi: "He is my baby too Milind. Sukriti may have given birth to him, but I kept him alive. I fought away death for him, Milind and today even God will be afraid to take that boy away from me. And if I tell you that you can't meet him, you will respect that decision. But I am not as cruel as you Milind. I have only learned to respect relationships, not to break them." Prachi didn't want to be unreasonable but Milind was antagonizing her. She had never expected that she would stand in front of Milind like this one day and treat him like an enemy. But the fact that he had his back turned to her was a big help. "I am just as important in his life as you and Sukriti. Its time that you recognize that."
Milind: "I don't need to recognize anything. Ritwik will no longer stay in the Shah mansion and that is a final decision."
"You can't make that decision alone Milind", Prachi had tried hard to control her voice that was threatening to break with the weight of her emotions.
"But since you have decided to be such a pig head, I can assure you that my lawyers will be happy to resolve this matter", Prachi said more confidently.
"Are you threatening me Prachi?, Milind seemed amused. "But before you make that move, maybe you should make sure that you will be able to win this case. Are you sure the court will be sympathetic towards you? Do you really believe that the court will let a person like you be in charge of the upbringing of a child.
Prachi was stunned into silence for a few painful seconds. How could Milind know, she thought. He couldn't know. She was only getting paranoid, she consoled herself. Then she looked at the smug smile on Milind's face and the only way to wipe it off was to reply in his own language.
"I am not sure if they will be sympathetic towards me Milind, but at least I have my family to vouch for me. But who will vouch for your sister Milind. You? Would the court not consider your criminal records before they hand over custody of a child to you?" Prachi was not very proud of what she had just said but if Milind could stoop low to get Ritwik so could she, to keep him.
Part III Ayesha had come down after meeting Sukriti just in time to hear Milind and Prachi threatening each other with legal repercussions. She interjected just in time, as she thought Milind was about ready to split Prachi's skull in two.
"Stop it!, she screamed. What has gotten into the both of you?"
Both Milind and Prachi turned away from each other and Ayesha stood between them looking at both their backs and wondered how she would even present her idea to them, let alone get them to agree to it. She decided that making them feel guilty was the only way to get them to listen. It wasn't a very noble way of getting things done but like they say "all is well, that ends well."
"Prachi, I thought you came here to discuss what is best for Ritwik. How can you ignore the fact that Sukriti is Ritwik's mother. And its not her fault Prachi that life had been so cruel on her that she can't even recognize her child anymore. She doesn't even smile anymore. She simply sits like a stone. You can't even tell if she hears what you tell her. If I know anything about you Prachi, it is that you are not selfish. You love Ritwik and I know your love is not selfish Prachi. Sukriti deserves to meet her child. Knowing Ritwik can possibly improve her mental state Prachi and you can't deny her that. Especially when Alaap is the reason for the way she is now. And even if you don't worry about Surkti atleast Ritwik deserves to grow up knowing his real identity. Soon he will start to question where his father is Prachi. Will you tell him that his father hates him. Do you think you can fill that void in his life with all your smothering?"
"And Milind, how can you be so insensitive. You have known all that Ritwik and Prachi have been through together. How can you question her right on Ritwik. Milind, I am sure you did know that Ritwik was born prematurely, not to mention the side effects of Lithium that Sukriti was on. Do you know that Prachi is the reason why Ritwik is alive today! It was her who spent all her time in the hospital for the many many hospitalizations during the first 2 years of Ritwik's life. He is a healthy, happy boy today and you can come and hug him today Milind, because Prachi once refused to let the Doctors give up on him. You have no right Milind to even speak of taking Ritwik away from her. Do you know what Prachi was like after dad passed away.
"AYESHA", came Prachi's voice trying to stop her from saying anything further. Prachi was already filled with doubt that Milind already knew of her manic-depressive episodes. But to have Ayesha confirm that information to Milind, especially at this moment was not what she wanted.
Ayesha got her point, but continued to fire off on her instead. "How can you refer to Milind as a criminal Prachi. Don't forget that the biggest criminal is part of your family. If it wasn't for Alaap, all our lives would be much different today and likely, happier."
Milind had listened to Ayesha's lecture quietly. He was actually surprised that Ayesha had intervened between him and Prachi. He didn't expect her to play peace maker. So now he was rethinking his strategy. Ayesha's involvement had changed things. And he was trying to figure out how to gain control of the situation again. All the while he was paying attention to everything Ayesha was saying.
Ayesha finally calmed down because she was tired of the vigorous speech she had just delivered. "Tum dono ek baath samajh lo toh achcha hai. Ritwik ki bhalai issi mein hai ki woh dono parivaaron mein apni jagah banaye rakhe. Prachi ke bina tum toh kya, iss duniya mein koi aur usse sambhal nahi sakta Milind. Till now everything was ok because he has not been introduced to the world yet. But when he starts going to school and meets people, what will his identity be."
Prachi had no clue what Ayesha was saying. One minute she seemed to be on Prachi's side and the other she was arguing for Milind. "What do you suggest we do with Ritwik, Ayesha", she finally asked agitated.
Ayesha took a moment to say a silent prayer and said "I suggest that you adopt Ritwik legally."
"Isn't that what the whole argument is about Ayesha", came Prachi's reply. "Weren't we just arguing about who will have custody of Ritwik?"
You didn't hear me Prachi, "I said, why don't you, you both, adopt Ritwik."
Now Milind was confused. "What?".
It's the only and perfect solution. "If you guys adopt him together as a couple, then everyone wins."
"But we are not a couple Ayesha, what is wrong with you", came Prachi's dimwitted reply.
"Then become one, is what I am saying" Ayesha said as she assessed Milind's reaction. He seemed deep in thought unlike what she had expected.
Prachi on the other hand looked red like a beat root and Ayesha was sure she would have to dart for the door soon to keep Prachi from running away.
Prachi turned away when she noted Ayesha looking at her. Also a reaction Ayesha had not expected.
Now it was Ayesha who was perplexed. She looked up at the ceiling and said to herself, "I hope I was right in thinking that this is God's plan for the two of them".
I updated the last two parts rather quickly and without much of an after thought. Please do let me know if there are any bloopers, spelling mistakes, or inconsistencies.
I had planned on revealing most of the secrets in this chapter...but the chapter kept getting longer and longer. So i had to edit out a lot of details which will be included in the next few chapters.
[code]Translations:Part I
"Tu akeli nahi ayi Ayesha?" You didn't come alone Ayesha?, Milind asked. Ayesha quickly realized her folly and said, "Tum log kabhi mile nahi ho na? You guys have never met right. Milind yeh Prachi hai, aur Prachi yeh hai Milind, mera sab se achcha dost. Milind this is Prachi and Prachi this is Milind, my best friend
Milind took a few steps towards Prachi while Prachi remained rooted. "Ayesha ne kaafi kuch bataya hai tumhare bare mein, lekin aaj pheli baar milna hua hai." Ayesha has mentioned a lot about you, but today is the first time we're meeting. Prachi winced as she recollected some old memories and thought how ironic it was that he didn't remember her. "Lekin mujhe aisa kyun lag raha hai ki hum pehle bhi mil chuke hain?". But why do I get the feeling that I have met you before Prachi looked up at his puzzled eyes and tried to find a glimmer of recognition for her in them. But she was disappointed again. Finally she said, "Nahi, hum pehle kabhi nahi mile". No, we have never met before.
"Then, may I know why Prachi Inder Shah, daughter of the late Mr. Inder Shah, and sister of Alaap Inder Shah is here to see me?", Milind inquired in a mock tone. But the reply came from Ayesha, "Woh Alaap ki hi nahi, meri bhi behen hai Milind. She is my sister too Milind. Aur tujhse kuch zaroori baat karni hai usko. And she has something important to discuss with you" The warning in Ayesha's voice didn't escape Milind. "Tum dono baat karo, tab tak mein Sukriti se mil kar aati hoon. Why don't the two of you talk while I go and meet Sukriti" Ayesha turned to head towards Sukriti but Milind stopped her. "Agar tu iss Prachi Inder Shah ki behen ban kar aayi hai toh Sukriti se milne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai. If you have come as Prachi's sister then there is no need to meet Sukriti" Ayesha turned and replied serenely, "Milind, mera naam chahe Ayesha se Ayesha Inder Shah ya Ayesha Neev Shergill ho gaya ho, lekin Ayesha toh Ayesha hi rahegi. Milind, even though my name may have changed to Ayesha Inder Shah or Ayesha Neev Shergill, Ayesha will remain Ayesha" Milind immediately realized that he shouldn't have treated his best friend like a stranger but Ayesha didn't wait for his apology.
Part II
"Ritwik se milne aane hi wala tha mein. I was about to come to meet Ritwik Tum use saath kyun nahi laaye?", Why didn't you bring him with you. he inquired noticing that Prachi was very uncomfortable. "Ritwik apni daadi ke saath market gaya hai. Ritwik is with his grandmother. Tum chaho toh ghar par aake mil sakte ho", you can come to meet him at home if you want Prachi replied without looking up at him.
Part III
"Tum dono ek baath samajh lo toh achcha hai. Its better if both of you understand one thing clearly. Ritwik ki bhalai issi mein hai ki woh dono parivaaron mein apni jagah banaye rakhe. It is in Ritwik's best interest to remain part of both families. Prachi ke bina tum toh kya, iss duniya mein koi aur usse sambhal nahi sakta Milind. Without Prachi, no one else in the world will be able to handle Ritwik, Milind.
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Edited by jinc118 - 17 years ago
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