Sukriti came home unable to calm her anger. She threw her bag on dining table and headed for the kitchen for some cold water. Maybe it was the boiling temperature outside or the anger inside that had her so restless. Asha tai had noticed her foul mood and asked the reason. "Prachi" she had said with hate' "What does she think of herself. Kya mera koi hakk nahi hai apne bete ke baare mein jaanne ka. Mujhe pata hai..voh mujhse Ritwik ke baare mein kuch chupa rahi hai'par mein bhi pata karke hi rahoongi. Bas bohot ho gaya'mujhe mera Ritwik wapis chahiye. Mein nahi reh sakti uske bina." With that she stormed off to her room and Asha tai was quite perplexed as to what had happened, and what could Prachi possibly be hiding regarding Ritwik.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Prachi had come home with her siblings and Ritwik. Alaap and Bobby had gone to their respective rooms and Ayesha and Prachi were headed up to their's when they saw Anjali and PL.
Anjali was seated on the sofa and had her legs on the coffee table.
PL: "Ek toh tumse theek se chala nahi jaata, aur tum phudakti aise ho jaise pairon mein spring lage hon."
Anjali: "Badi maa!!! I don't phudak around." Anjali protested.
PL: "Nahi nahi table ko tumse koi puraani dushmani hai na joh tumhaare pairon se aakar lag gayi." PL said irritated. Even at this age why did her children not behave like adults.
Anjali: "Aaah Badi maa..bas'dard ho raha hai" she cried in pain.
PL: "Jab aankh aur kaan band karke chalogi toh aisa dard bhi uthana padega." PL scolded Anjali. PL was already in a foul mood Anjali could tell. But there just wasn't a better time for this.
Anjali: "Badi maa'mujhe kuch dino ke liye vaapis jaana padega."
PL looked at her shocked "Par tumne vaada kiya tha mujhse, ke abke baar vaapis aakar phir tum kahin nahi jaaogi" PL looked hurt.
Anjali: "haan badi maa, lekin mujhe toh achaanak aana pada. Bas thoda sa vakt aur chahiye. Kuch adhoora reh gaya tha jo poora karna hai."
PL: "Theek hai toh mein bhi chaloongi tumhaare saath."
Anjali: "Par badi maa..aap'aap nahi aa sakti'mujhe akele jaana hoga."
PL: "Gudiya ek toh tum seedhe chal phir nahi sakti. Upar se akele jaana chahti ho? Jaane kaunsa kaam aisa hai jo tum iss halat mein bhi poora karna chahti ho. Bas meine keh diya'tum akele nahi jaogi."
PL got up having finished her massage.
Prachi was helping Anjali back to her room. Apparently Anjali had tried to walk without her cane and injured herself.
Prachi: "Why do you want to go back?"
Anjali: "Prachi I told you why I went to Shimla in the first place. And I am almost successful. But Soumya ke baare mein sunke mujhe jaldi aana pada. I didn't even inform anyone in Shimla. They were worried for me. I called them yesterday and found out that Kavya's Dadi is really ill. She wants to see me asap. Aur Kavya ki Dadi kaafi ziddi hai Prachi. Voh apni davayian lene se inkaar kar rahi hai jab tak voh mujhe dekh nahi leti. Ab bata main kya karoon?"
Prachi: "You mean to say that Kavya's Dadi is in love with you'umm'so what about Kavya?"
Anjali rolled her eyes: "Prachi!!! I am serious. Badi maa will explode the moment she hears "Shimla" from my mouth and even if she comes with me, she'll know I was there for the past few months and I lied to her about it."
They had reached Anjali's room and she sat down on her bed.
Prachi: "hmm'a real problem'but your problem'tu sabki problems solve karti hai na'apna bhi kar le." Prachi joked.
Anjali: "Prachiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, ok what do you want?"
Prachi: "I want you to admit that you are in love with Kavya."
Anjali was about to say something when Prachi folded her arms on her chest with an expression that said she wasn't in a mood for games.
Anjali: "fine I am in love with Kavya. Now handle Badi maa pleeeease."
Prachi smiled: "Sach???"
Anjali blushes. "OH THANK GOD" Prachi said throwing her hands dramatically. "I thought I'd never see the day when you fall in love. Thankyou God for Kavya." Prachi said clasping her hands and Anjali tried to hit her but Prachi went out of the room giggling.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dinner time @ Shah residence.
Bobby was leaving he next day back to US and had wanted to catch up on some sleep before he left so he was in bed early. Alaap had dinner with Bobby and was now mulling over his plan to save his company. The dinner table was occupied by the rest of the family and PL's brother and his family. As they were finishing the food, PL's brother suggested that she come with them to Delhi when they return in two days. Anjali immediately looked at PL for a positive reaction but was disappointed. But then she saw Prachi who was smiling at her and figured that she had put Mamaji upto this. PL on the other hand was in no mood to go anywhere. But her brother insisted that she needed a change of atmosphere and it would do her good. "Lekin Saayah'Amrita ji'aur Anjali bhi toh'ghar kaun sambhalega", PL had many excuses. "Main hoon na yaahaan mom" Prachi volunteered. "Prachi tujhe apne ghar vaapis nahi jaana? Milind ko bhool gayi tu?" PL asked shocked at Prachi. Prachi's smile faded at the mention of Milind, something that Ayesha and Anjali were quick to notice. "Toh kya hua'mein bhi toh hoon." Ayesha had suggested. "Yes Badi ma..and I promise, mein apna ache se khayal rakhoongi" Anjali added her assurance.
PL finally gave in to everyone's demands and decided to stay with her brother for a few weeks.
~~~~~~~~~~~
That evening, Milind had arrived home late as usual. He had been purposely arriving late for the past two weeks. He had no desire to come home to a depressed Sukriti, a silent Asha tai, and an empty room. He kept himself busy during the day with work, but it was when he came home to the silence that the thoughts of Prachi invaded him with the flood of memories. He hated the feeling so much'so he avoided it. But tonight Asha tai felt it was time to talk to Milind about a few things. She had put it off enough. After dinner, when Milind had gone to the terrace to smoke a cigarette, Asha tai had come up behind him and Milind had put out the cigarette immediately. Though she knew he smoked he could never smoke in front of her.
Asha tai told him what Sukriti had been rambling that afternoon. She felt that Sukriti was just looking for reasons to bring Ritwik back. She feared that soon Sukriti would loose her cool and create a scene in front of Prachi's family, which should be avoided. Milind could see already that Sukriti was regretting her decision to let Prachi take Ritwik with her. And Milind didn't blame her. She had made that decision in haste'when she was highly emotional. Now rethinking about the consequence had changed her mind. "Main baat karta hoon" Milind said assuringly. "Kisse?" Asha tai asked and Milind looked confused. "Sukriti se, aur kisse?" he replied.
Asha tai: "Kya kahega tu? Ke apne bete ko tu bhool ja?"
Milind: "Toh phir'main kya karoon? Sukriti ko kya zaroorat thi Prachi se kehne ki, ke voh Ritwik ko le jaa sakti hai. Uss vakt kyun nahi socha'tab usse Prachi ke ehsaan nazar aa rahe the. Ab voh ehsaan nahi rahe kya?"
Asha tai: "Milind maine pehle bhi tujhe kaha tha ki Prachi aur Ritwik ka lagaav achcha nahi hai. Jab vakt tha tab uss rishte mein dheel lani chahiye thi tujhe. Uss bhache ko yeh baat samjhani chahiye thi ki Sukriti uski maa hai. Ya phir tujhe Sukriti ki shaadi ke baare mein nahi sochna chahiye tha."
Milind: "Aap yeh sab baatein ab kyun kar rahi hain?"
Asha tai: "Kyunki ghade, iss baat ko hal bhi sirf tu kar sakta hai."
Milind: "Kaise?"
Asha tai felt like knocking the back of his head but stopped herself from doing so.
Asha tai: "Jab pehle Ritwik ko lekar behas hui thi..tab tune kya kiya tha?? Prachi se shaadi kar li thi'haina? Ab phir se vohi mudda nikla hai. Aur solution sirf yeh hai ke Prachi aur Sukriti ek ghar mein ek saath rahe. Ab Sukriti toh Shah parivaar ke saath reh nahi sakti'kyunki tu kabhi Alaap se uski shaadi hone nahi dega. Toh bachcha kya'Prachi yahaan aakar rahe'aur socha jaaye toh'voh teri biwi bhi hai'usse toh yahi rehna chahiye."
Milind: "Asha tai'aap kya bol rahi ho. Usne jo kiya uske baad bhi aap chahti hain ki mein usse vaapis le aaun. Aur voh biwi nahi hai meri. Yeh shaadi ek natak tha kaha na maine.
Asha tai was furious now. "Kya natak tha Milind? Tumne saari duniya ke saamne joh rasme nibhaayi voh naatak tha? Tumhaari kanoonan shaadi huyi hai Milind. Tum dono ke mann mein chahe jo bhi ho'duniya ke saamne, bhagvaan ko sakshi maan kar tumne shaadi ki hai Prachi se. Shaadi koi khel nahi hai jo tum..."
She stayed quite after that trying to calm herself.
She continued when she was calmer. "Milind tumhe kya lagta hai..main jaanti nahi hoon. Tu jo raat raat bhar ghar mein chaukidaari kar raha hai pichle 2 hafton se'iska kya matlab hai Milind. Teri pareshaani ki vajah sirf Prachi hai'kyunki tu uska kayaal apne dil se nahi nikaal pa raha hai."
Milind was caught but he expected that much from Asha tai. She rarely misunderstood what he was feeling. Yet he tried to refuse what she was saying.
Asha tai grabbed his face and turned him to face her. "Mujhse jhoot bolne ki koshish bhi mat karna Milind." she warned him and Milind felt defeated.
Milind: "Shayad'shayad mujhe aadat ho gayi thi uski. Itne vakt mein usse ek achcha dost'saathi samajhne laga tha. Lekin kya faida tai. Prachi toh sirf Ritwik ke liye ruki thi yahaan. Aur mein kabhi nahi bhool sakta ki Prachi aur uss Alaap ne milkar ek baar phir meri behen ki zindagi se khelna chaha."
Asha tai: "Milind'ho sakta hai ki Prachi sach mein Sukriti ka bhala chahti ho. Sukriti ki tarah usne bhi samjha ho ke Alaap badal gaya hai..aur isliye usne un dono ko milvaana chaha ho."
Milind: "Alaap kabhi nahi badlega tai. Aur aap uski baat toh bilkul mat keejiye. Aur agar Prachi khudgarz nahi hai toh Ritwik ko lekar kyun chali gayi. Ritwik ko apni maa ko yahaan kyun nahi rehne diya. Uss din jab Sukriti Ritwik ko le aana chahti thi..tab Prachi ne usse roka kyun?"
Asha tai had no answer to that'but she was still sure that her instincts could not be wrong.
Asha tai: "Milind mujhe aaj tak insaan ko parakhne mein galti nahi hui hai. Tumse zyaada zindagi dekhi hai maine. Aur mein dava kar sakti hoon ke Prachi jaan boojh kar kisi ka bura nahi kar sakti. Prachi un logon mein se hai Milind jo doosron ke liye apni khushiyan kurbaan kar dete hain. Aur yehi log aksar dusron ke nazron mein gunehgaar ban jaate hain."
Milind didn't reply but thought back to the first time he had seen Prachi and the description that Asha tai was giving did fit that girl who had saved the little puppy in the rain. But what he knew about Prachi today said a different story. The talk with Asha tai only enhanced the inner turmoil he felt. Though on the outside his behavior suggested that he hated Prachi, only he knew how hard it was to convince his heart of the same.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Neev tum so gaye" Ayesha whispered in the dark.
"Haan main so gaya" he whispered back hugging her tighter.
"Neev" she called out again squeezing his hand.
"Hmmm.." he said half asleep.
Then she decided to let him sleep. She would tell him when she got the report from the doctor. That would be best. "Good night" she said and felt him kiss her temple.
END OF PART I
~~~~~~~PART II~~~~~~~~~~~
Thankyou Opti akka for being my editor and Reema for encouraging me. Luv you both.
Two days later
Neev entered the room quietly and set the plate of food on the table. Ayesha was standing by her favorite place, the window facing away from him. He could tell she was still angry by the way she stood with her arms crossed. He walked up slowly behind her and enveloped her in his arms, kissing the back of her head. She however was too angry to be appeased like that. She tried to move away but he held her back by the hand. "Hey'itni naraaz kyun ho? Gussa toh mujhe hona chahiye." Ayesha looked at him angrily. How could he'after yelling at her in front of everyone'why should he be angry. "Ok..fine'I shouldn't have yelled'but you don't leave me a choice. Look at you Ayesha'kya haal bana liya hai tumne apna." Ayesha softened a little seeing the pained expression on his face. "I've been asking you to see a doctor for days now'tum jaati kyun nahi ho. I wish I could take a day off and just drag you myself'but tum jaanti ho'we can't afford that right now. I've just started going back to work and there are too many things that are a mess'I am needed there Ayesha. Aur tum meri pareshaani nahi samajhti. How do you think I feel to come home and see you like this." She was loosing weight before his eyes and had grown paler. She hardly ate food and worst of all she was quiet all the time'she had stopped talking to him and that scared him. After coming so far in their relationship he didn't want to regress. Soumya's death had effected everyone, but Ayesha just seemed to be lost in her world these days. Neev was afraid that he was going to loose her.
Poor guy had no idea that the reason Ayesha wasn't talking to him was her own guilt'of not having told him about the baby yet. She had kept making excuses to not share the news with him'why..she didn't know'but the guilt was suffocating. She should tell him'she should tell him now. The way he was worrying for her made her feel even worse. She had a severe case of morning sickness and it seemed that she couldn't even look at food much less eat anything. She knew she was doing wrong'but'she finally decided that no time was better than now'and she would have to tell him right now right here. She had wished to tell him in a more romantic setting but all that was just extra'the main point was to share her joy with the only one that could share it with her.
Ayesha: "Neev mein doctor ke paas gayi thi."
Neev: "What'when? Kya kaha doctor ne? Kya hua hai tumhe'you'r alright right. Kuch..serious toh nahi hai na." he asked apprehensively. "Nahi Neev" she chuckled seeing his anxiety. Then she took his hands in hers and squeezed it lightly, "Bas morning sickness hai. That's why I feel like vomiting at the food" she finally told him looking expectantly into his eyes. "Oh! Ok'the way you were acting, I thought'" then he stopped to stare at her in surprise. Did she just say morning sickness???? Ayesha was looking at him confused'did he not hear what she said? His eyes turned down to her tummy slowly and she smiled at his shocked expression. He moved two steps back to take a better look at her as if he was seeing her for the first time'and Ayesha looked back in wonder. She just wanted to run into his arms but he was standing speechless. "Neev.." she called him and their eyes met. But suddenly he turned away. Ayesha didn't understand and she walked up in front of him and saw him wiping his tears quickly. "Neev whats wrong?" she pushed his chin up to look into his eyes that were wet. He shook his head and held her palms in his. He was at a loss for words. Ayesha had once told him that words could never express what she felt for him'and today he truly understood what she meant. There were no words in his vocabulary that would describe his happiness. He had imagined the happiness he'd feel on knowing that he was going to be a father'but his imagination didn't even come close to the reality. Kissing her palms he looked into her eyes and could see it mirror his emotions. Taking her in his embrace he kissed her forehead, "I am'just so'" . Ayesha too smiled wide now. "I know" she didn't let him finish and embraced him tightly letting all the weight in her heart flow away. She heard him say "I love you" as he kissed her forehead again and she replied a muffled "I love you too".
She had wanted to tell him in a special way'but now she realized that just sharing the news with him was special enough. The tears of joy, the shock of sudden and immeasurable happiness...why had she waited unnecessarily to tell him. She had been carrying around a burden in her heart for days now...but finally she could breathe. The subtle change in the way he looked at her'as if he blinked it would turn out to be dream' and held her'so gently'as if she'd break if he wasn't careful'it warmed her heart. She watched him lovingly as he sat across from her on the bed feeding her. She was still queasy but Neev would not have her go to sleep on an empty stomach. He had been angry that she had neglected not only her own health but also the one growing inside her. But this was her first pregnancy'and all she knew was that she couldn't be around good smelling food. Neev extended another spoonful towards her and noticed her cheeks lined with a stream of tears. He set the plate aside and wiping her tears with his thumb he asked the reason for her tears. She had imagined her mother feeding her this way once'but this was probably as close to that wish as she was going to get. She took his hand in her's and pressed her cheeks on them blinking away a fresh layer of tears. Her other hand went protectively around her belly. "Hamaare bachche ko kabhi kissi baat ki kami nahi hogi" she stated settling her head between his neck and shoulders. "Hum isse bohot pyar karnge" she told him almost as a request. He raised her face to look into her eyes "Our baby will never crave for love like we did because this baby has us for parents." Ayesha smiled imagining her small family. "I'll be a good mother right?" she asked softly after a few moments. "You'll be the best" he assured her' "But lets start by making sure you eat properly" he took the plate up again and Ayesha made a face. "OK just 5 more spoons'for the baby" he was coaxing her. "Itni der se baby ke liye hi toh khila rahe the." she complained. "Achcha theek hai next 5 for you." with that he put the spoon in her mouth not allowing her to refuse.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
two weeks later
Prachi: "Anju'when the hell do you plan on coming back?"
Anjali: "Hey whats the matter with you? Why are you in such a great mood."
Prachi: "Anju mom just called me from Delhi. She is insisting on coming back today'apparently something Alaap did or said has upset her. She won't talk..she just told me she is coming back'you better be here before she gets back."
Anjali: "Oh shit!!! Ok..don't worry, I'll do something."
After Prachi hanged up the phone she tried dialing her Mamaji's number again but it was engaged. Anjali had also been calling Mamaji and finally she got through. She only learned about part of the problem from Naintara who had picked up the phone. Apparently it was marriage season'Naintara was getting married and so was Alaap'on the same day. PL was upset because Alaap had ruined his company and was now getting married to a rich girl for her money. PL couldn't digest this news'more over she still hadn't gotten over the fact that her daughter'Alaap's sister had died less than two months ago. How could Alaap be getting married'and for money'is that what marriage was to him...a business???
Anjali had asked Mamaji to stall PL and try to get her to stay just a little longer in Delhi while she was already on her way from Shimla. After reaching Delhi she did a lot of advocating and negotiating finally convincing PL'emotionally blackmailing her rather to stay for Naintara's wedding and bless her. Naintara had had a hard time finding a groom because she was manglik and now according to her kundali she needed to be married within the month. Mamaji had come to Mumbai with his whole family to talk to PL about having found a groom for her in Mumbai and having the wedding there'but they had been met with Soumya's untimely demise. So they had returned and decided on having the wedding in Delhi. PL had consented to stay for the wedding. Though she knew she wasn't in a state of mind for celebrations, it would be unfair to Naintara who was well over the marriageable age for a young girl. PL wanted to bless her wholeheartedly but Alaap had then presented his problems leaving PL in shock and disgust. Finally after hours of talking'Anjali got PL to stay for the wedding on the condition that she would have nothing to do with Alaap and his wedding preparations. She just didn't want to be part of it. After everything was settled Anjali had called Prachi to inform her of the new developments.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sukriti stepped inside Shah mansion and looked around uncertainly. She didn't see anyone. She was just about to call out to Prachi when Vishal stepped out into the hall. "Sukriti'hi" he greeted her warmly. "Hi Vishal". "If you are here to see Ritwik'Neev and Ayesha just took him out for icecream." he informed her. "Thanks but I came to see Prachi too" she replied hiding her disappointment. "oh'she is upstairs in her room" He was about to step out when Sukriti asked, "How is Saayah doing?".
Vishal: "She is a little better. But doc says that she might have to stay a while in the hospital. Her progress is not as expected."
"Oh!" is all Sukriti could say'she didn't know how else to respond. Wasn't it enough that Soumya was taken away prematurely'now her baby too was fighting for her life.
"Par mujhe yakeen hai'voh theek ho gaayegi. Usse theek hona padega" Vishal added cheering himself up and Sukriti smiled at his hopefulness. "I'll pray for her" she told him. Vishal was then going out the door and Sukriti headed upstairs to Prachi's room.
Prachi was sitting on her bed staring at the suitcases sitting in front of her. It held everything that belonged to Ritwik'except for a few toys that Prachi had hidden away in her closet. She was ready'she was finally ready to let him go. She had called Sukriti earlier asking her to come to SM. She had been preparing for this for months'and for the last two days she had especially hardened herself. She heard Sukriti coming up the stairs and got up smoothing her hair trying to look better than she felt. Sukriti walked in after knocking and stared at Prachi not saying a word. Prachi had told her to come because she wanted Sukriti to take Ritiwik with her. Sukriti had been surprised and confused but her heart had not been calm since. Whatever was the reason, Sukriti didn't care'she just wanted her baby back. But Prachi explained her reason anyway.
Prachi: "Tumne suna hoga'newspaper mein bhi aaya tha'Alaap ke shaadi ke baare mein."
Sukriti remained silent suppressing her anger.
Prachi: "Bohot amir log hai'Her father is a politician'aur phir abhi ke haalat mein Alaap ko aise hi rishte ki zaroorat thi."
Sukriti had seen the news about the big shot politician from Delhi getting his daughter married to Alaap. She had thrown the newspaper in disgust. Her brother was right about Alaap'and Sukriti again had made the mistake of trusting him. She felt only anger'towards herself and the siblings that were out to ruin her peace and happiness.
Prachi: "Maine toh socha tha ki tum dono shaadi kar lete toh'sab theek ho jaata'Ritwik apne maa-baap dono ke saath rehta'lekin shayad uske naseeb mein hi nahi hai baap ka saayah. And maybe you and Alaap were never meant to be'isliye toh itni koshish ke baad bhi tum dono ki shaadi nahi karva saki mein."
Sukriti's BP was rising the roof. She turned to Prachi and Prachi could tell she was about to blow her fuse. "Mujhe yeh sab bakwaas sunane ke liye bulaaya hai?" she said spitefully.
Prachi replied calmly: "Nahi'i was just explaining' I don't think its good for him to stay with us any longer. Ab Alaap shaadi karke shayad Mumbai mein hi waapis aane waala hai. Aur Ritwik yahaan rahega toh'future mein problems ho sakti hai'you know what I mean." Prachi had sounded so matter of fact.
Sukriti knew what Prachi was saying'that she didn't want Alaap's wife to know about Ritwik'Ritwik would pose a problem in Alaap's married life and that in turn would deny Alaap the monetary benefits he would receive from his in-laws. Sukriti understood that much perfectly and she felt like slapping Prachi. "Samajh kya rakha hai tumne mere bachche ko?" Sukriti said making a fist to refrain from slapping. "He is not a football that you will kick him around from here to there. Kabhi apne paas rakh liya kabhi mere paas'all to suit your convenience. He doesn't need any of you'he doesn't need a father'mein hoon uske liye. I didn't come begging you to take him and give him Alaap's name'you took him from me'aur ab'" Sukriti was too disgusted. "Kitne nakhre the tumhaare'of how much Ritwik meant to you'how you couldn't live without him'ab kya hua'after all he is not yours is he'your priority is your brother and his life'Ritwik was never anything more than being your brother's illegitimate child." Prachi was listening to her outburst patiently. She deserved to hear all of it..but it hurt her nonetheless.
Prachi: "I had thought if I kept Ritwik'you and your brother would change your mind'and maybe agree to marry Alaap" she had interjected fueling Sukriti's anger further.
Sukriti: "SHUT UP!!!!!!!!! Bas'I've had enough of your crap. Just hand my son over'where is he'and I swear you'll never see him again."
"Relax Sukriti'I did call you hear so you can take him'he'll be back soon. So you'll just have to wait." Sukriti was shaking in anger and Prachi noticed how much like her brother she was. Rage ruled her senses too'and it was easy then to make her believe the things Prachi wanted her to believe. She had infuriated Sukriti on purpose because she didn't want Sukriti questioning her action'which if in a sane state of mind, she was likely to do. Sukriti was still standing in the middle of her room looking mightily pissed.
"Have a seat Sukriti" Prachi said opening one of the suitcase. "I have to tell you something about'" but suddenly Sukriti was charging towards one corner of the room. Prachi's gaze followed, bewildered, and Sukriti was standing by the shelf where Prachi had all the memories of her past. Sukriti stared at the pictures of Ritwik with Prachi and unable to bare it, she threw all the frames on the floor. "Tumhe koi hakk nahi hai'you don't deserve to even keep his pictures with you.." She then collected all the frames and threw then in the suitcase Prachi had opened. She closed the suitcase and took it downstairs not waiting to hear what Prachi had to say. Prachi followed her downstairs still trying to tell her something. "Sukriti I just wanted to tell you some things about Ritwik'he has to take his '" Sukriti turned around at the end of the stairs and held up her hand indicating Prachi to stop. "You don't need to tell me anything about my son'I'll take better care of him than you ever did." With that she turned back to hear Neev, Ayesha and Ritwik returning. Prachi had already explained to Ritwik that he would be going back with Sukriti. He had been ok with it but he was under the impression that Prachi was going to be away from him only temporarily. He had then left with Sukriti asking Prachi to promise that she'd come soon too. Prachi had simply smiled and he had left enjoying his ice-cream.
Ayesha knew from the expression on Sukriti's face that everything was not alright'and Sukriti was carrying such a big suitcase'she had rightly guessed that Ritwik was never coming back to SM'and though she had only suspected it before'now she was certain that something had happened between Milind and Prachi that no-one was aware of. Ayesha walked up the stairs and met with Prachi who was still standing numbed in the middle of it staring at the open door. She put a gentle hand on her shoulders and Prachi shuddered by the touch. "Prachi'what happened" she asked concerned. But Prachi bolted back up to her room and closed the door behind her. She sat for a few moments trying to gain control but when it became too much she fell forward onto her pillow and buried her face in it not wanting her cries to be heard outside her room.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Asha tai had been surprised to see Sukriti coming back with Ritwik. She thought that Sukriti had created an issue in Shah house and forced Ritwik to come with her. But Ritwik was smiling. Sukriti however was still in a foul mood and Asha tai thought it better to let her calm down first before questioning her. Sukriti took Ritwik's things to her room and Ritwik followed her. However, when he realized that he was expected to stay in Sukriti's room he protested. He wanted to stay in the room where Prachi used to stay'in Milind's room. He expressed his dislike for Sukriti's room and that he doesn't like sleeping here. Sukriti felt a little hurt but she was glad that at least Ritwik was back with her. And besides, it wasn't like there was no room for Ritwik. They decided to transform one of the locked rooms on the top floor for Ritwik. She would tell Milind as soon as he returned. Sukriti then decided not to unpack his things until his room was ready.
It was during dinner time that Asha tai picked up a call from Prachi. She had been surprised to hear Prachi's voice on the other end. She glanced at Sukriti and Milind happily chatting with Ritwik. They were both smiling after so long that Asha tai didn't want to let them know who was on the phone. Prachi had called only to tell Asha tai that Ritwik's medicines were in one of the bags and the dosage was also written with it. Asha tai had not said much to her and hanged up quickly telling Milind that it was a wrong number. Then she walked up to Sukriti's room and got the pills from the bag. She stared at the detailed instructions written by Prachi about Ritwik's medicines and his diet'and she felt her doubts being confirmed. But right now it was more important to give Ritwik his medicines. She went to the kitchen to mix the pill in Ritwik's milk. She had seen Prachi do it that way before and gathered that Ritwik didn't like taking medicine. Sukriti walked into the kitchen and observed this and naturally questioned Asha tai, who told her as much as she knew'that Ritwik was on some sort of pills that he needed to take daily and he had a strict diet to follow. Sukriti remembered Prachi trying to tell her something as she was leaving and thought if this is what she was going to tell her. But even Asha tai didn't know what was wrong with Ritwik. And calling Prachi now and finding out was out of the question. Sukriti didn't even want to think of her much less hear her voice. She decided to talk to a doctor the very next day and find out for herself.
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Dr. Roy looked at Sukriti carefully and then back at the file. Ritwik sat obediently next to Sukriti in the doctor's office though he was playing with his toy car on the table. "Ms Mishra I don't need to see this file. I am very well aware of Ritwik's condition" he informed Sukriti. "Ritwik was being seen in this hospital since he was an infant. We have complete records of his medical history." Sukriti took the file back from the doctor. She had found this file among Ritwik's things and figured that Prachi had been sensible enough to give this to her. She had read through it but some parts of it she didn't understand due to over use of medical terms. She wanted to clarify her doubts with the doctor and had brought Ritwik back to the hospital that had taken care of him for so long. She had lied to the doctor about her whereabouts for the past 5 years but the doctor didn't seem too convinced of it since he didn't understand why a mother would be unaware of her child's medical condition for 5 years. He was a bit cautious in giving this woman any information'but Ritwik did refer to her a 'mamma' and this confused the doctor a bit. What mattered most to the doctor was that his patient was safe and taken care of and if Ritwik was currently under Sukriti's care then it was important for her to know how to take care of him. Sukriti had understood that Ritwik had a condition that was managed by life long medications and dietary control'but exactly what nephrotic syndrome meant is what she had wanted to know. The doctor explained that this meant that Ritwik's kidneys were dysfunctional. It was very important to follow the medical advice to ensure that his kidney's functioned for as long as possible'but eventually there was a very good chance that Ritwik would progress to a condition that required a transplant. Sukriti stared at the doctor in shock and immediately her hand went around Ritwik. She was in a state of panic'a kidney transplant??? For her little boy'but he was so young and he looked so healthy. The doctor calmed her down explaining further that it was a possibility of the future and didn't mean he needed a transplant now. There was every possibility that Ritwik would live a long life without needing a transplant. But Sukriti couldn't relax. Why would Ritwik have to walk around with a bad kidney all his life. Why couldn't he get a transplant now so he could live a healthier life? The doctor explained the reasons to her patiently but after half an hour of questions and answers he was getting just a bit annoyed. The doctor sighed'but seeing that Sukrti was an anxious parent and wouldn't leave his office until she felt reassured, he told her the truth'it wasn't very professional of him'but he didn't care at this point. He explained to Sukriti that if Ritwik was ever in need for a transplant, he had a living donor who had consented to donate a kidney to him. The tests had been performed already and it was established that the kidney matched very well to Ritwik and the likelihood that Ritwik's body would reject that organ was very low. Sukriti wondered who that donor could be who'd be so benevolent to her child'and why? Then she remembered the day she saw Alaap with Prachi and Ritwik in the hospital. Was is him'was it Alaap? Was he trying to repent in this way for what he did? She immediately requested to know who the donor was. The doctor simply showed her the consent form that was signed by the donor and Sukriti scanned the form and she registered a few words explaining that whenever or if ever Ritwik was in need for a kidney the donor would donate one and if the donor were to die before that the kidneys would be preserved and Ritwik would get preference over others who were waiting for a kidney transplant. Sukriti quickly saw the signature at the bottom when suddenly her eyes were clouded and she blinked to clear the layer of tears that fell on the consent form'and again stared at the signature to make sure'and it still said Prachi Shah.
END OF PART II
Please don't ask me or expect that the medical conditions and its severity and symptoms are correct or whatever i've written about transplant is correct. It may or may not be. I've not done too much research into it.
~~~~~~~PART III~~~~~~~~~~~
Thankyou everyone for the patience with me. This is a long part but in advance i am letting you know, this part is solely setting things up for what is to come in ch 50.:) Don't expect anything ground breaking.
"I am sorry, I cannot let you come in. You need to be a parent or guardian maam" the woman stared without any sympathy at Sukriti who was holding a disappointed Ritwik in her hands. "Koi baat nahi beta..hum phir kabhi aa jaayenge'ok". She tried to reason with him but Ritwik looked almost close to tears. Sukriti had come out of the doctor's office in a confused daze trying to sort through her thoughts but Ritwik was too eager to meet Saayah who was in the same hospital. Ritwik extricated his hands from Sukriti in anger and ran down the hallway. Sukriti sprinted behind him telling him to stop but he had started to cry and refused to listen. Suddenly he turned the corner and Sukriti anxiously picked up her pace worried that he might disappear. But she breathed a sigh as soon as she turned the corner and saw Ritwik in Vishal's arms.
"hi'kaise ho Vishal", she tried smiling catching her breath. "hi'yeh toh achcha hua mere haath lag gaya'nahi toh Olympics mein medal jeet kar hi lautta shayad" Vishal said in jest handing Ritwik to Sukriti. "Bohot shaitaan ho gaya hai" Sukriti replied smiling. "Vaise hua kya" he asked since he had seen Ritwik in tears. But Ritwik interjected, "Uncle aap Sayaah baby se milne aaye ho na'mujhe bhi dekhna hai", his eyes reflected hope and excitement once again.
"Voh nurse ne manaa kar diya tha" Sukriti explained "Isliye upset ho gaya tha." . Vishal took Ritwik by his hands and smiled, "Chalo phir dekhte hain kis nurse ne hamaare Ritwik ko rokne ki zurrat ki hai". Ritwik immediately let go of Sukriti's hand and walked ahead of Vishal who shook his head, smiling at his eagerness.
Inside, Sukriti dare not let a tear fall so as not to upset Vishal who seemed rather happy to see his daughter. But the truth was she couldn't handle the child's fragility. Her skin was yellowish and almost translucent barely hiding the structures beneath. She looked like she had lost weight since the last time Sukriti had seen her. But at least now the she wasn't hooked upto tubes. The face could be seen clearly as she lay awake blinking her eyes vigorously at the surroundings trying to make sense of it. Sensing visitors nearby she had turned to look at them and lifted her little hands in the air. "Mamma baby ke haath mein kya hua?" Ritwik asked pointing to the IV that was tightened around it. "Voh baby ko davai dene ke liye hai" Vishal explained. "Lekin baby ko dard hoga na" Ritwik asked Sukriti looking upset. Sukriti explained to him that a little pain was negligible as it would make the baby get better faster'just like it was important for him to get injections when he got sick. The nurse had handed the baby to Vishal who sat staring at her. He had held her a few times before but still hadn't gotten used to how small she was. His one finger covered her whole cheek and her hands looked more like chicken legs. The sight was deplorable. She wasn't the dream he had when he had first learned of becoming a father'but he had learned to accept her in whatever form she came'she was his'and she was going to make it'because he wasn't about to loose her too. Everytime he held her it was that thought that gave him the courage not to run away from it all'the courage to move on in life'the feeling that there was a purpose for his life.
Ritwik stood next to Vishal taking in every detail of Saayah. She seemed like a unique creature to him'and he hadn't seen her this close before. He realized from all the things that he had been told that the baby was seriously ill and he hadn't taken that idea too well. He had at first hoped that the baby would come home soon and he'd get to play with her to his heart's content. But now he realized he'd be lucky to even see her. Suddenly he noticed her closing her eyelids and yawning. "Uncle baby ko sona hai" he informed. Vishal nodded at Ritwik who then said, "Toh baby ki mummy ko bolo lori sunaane ke liye". Sukriti and Vishal looked at him shocked. Vishal knew Ritwik hadn't understood anything that had happened in the past several weeks. No one had really explained it to him properly and he forgave the boy instantly. "Lekin Ritwik beta baby ki mummy toh yahaan nahi hai" he replied making sure to keep his voice from bearing his emotions. "Kaahaan gayi?" Ritwik asked innocently. "Voh toh bhagvaan ji ke paas chali gayi." Vishal replied. "Toh phir baby kaise soyegi?" Ritwik looked concerned. Then thinking of the answer himself'he replied, "Koi baat nahi..mere paas doh doh mummy hai. Meri mummy ko le lo" he said smiling at a shocked Sukriti. "Mumma aap lori sunao baby ko" he requested much more in a tone of command and Sukriti just stared at him unable to believe that he had just said "Meri mummy" looking at her. She had tuned out everything else and only heard the part where Ritwik referred to her as his mother. Maybe she was being a bit dramatic but that moment was definitely something special for her. She sat down next to Vishal and took Saayah from him still looking at Ritwik who was urging her to sing. Her son had requested something of her for the first time and she just didn't have the heart to make any excuses. The little girl snuggled closer to Sukriti as she rocked her gently and whispered to her the only lullaby she had heard her father sing to her as a child'
"Nanhi kali sone chali..Hawa dheere aana
Neend bhare pankh liye jhoola jhula jaana
Chaand ke rang ki gudiya naazon ki hai pali
Aaj agar chandaniya aana meri gali
Gun Gun Gun geet koi haule haule gaana
Neend bhare pankh liye jhoola jhula jaana
Resham ki dor agar pairon ko uljhaaye
Ghoongar ka daana koi shor macha jaye
Rani meri jaagi toh phir, Nindiya tu behlaana
Neend bhare pankh liye jhoola jhula jaana
Link to song
When she finished and looked up Ritwik was smiling and started to clap. She put her fingers on her lips asking him to be quite because the baby girl had just dozed off. Vishal was no where in sight and she realized she had been so engrossed that hadn't seen him leave. The nurse informed her that Vishal had walked out for a few minutes. Sukriti too was ready to leave and told Ritwik to say good bye to the baby and they were headed out. She looked for Vishal outside but didn't see him. Vishal was meanwhile in the men's bathroom waiting for the occupants to leave and finally when he was sure he was alone, he broke down crying. Ritwik's words and Sukriti's actions had made him miss Soumya more than ever and he desperately wished she was with him though he knew it was a wish that would never come true and so he let his heart cry it out.
Having witnessed Sukriti sing to Saayah so expertly, that night, Ritwik insisted that she sing to him the lullaby that Prachi always sang for him. Sukriti had hoped he'd be ok with a bed-time story but in her attempt to find a place in her son's heart she gave in. She had heard Prachi sing it a few times and tried to recollect the words.
Soja chanda raja soja, chal sapnon main chal
neend ki pariyan pehen ke aayi pairon main payal
tujh ko apnay narm paron par lekar jaayengi
Sone ka ek des hai jiski sair karaayengi.
It was amazing how quickly that song soothed Ritwik and he was asleep in a matter of minutes. The next morning Sukriti helped him dress for school and just out of curiosity asked Ritwik what he thought of her. He mused for a while and then confirmed that she was just like his Prachi mom except she didn't put restrictions on him. Sukriti felt herself smiling at that and somewhere she felt a hope that someday he'd stop comparing her to Prachi. After dropping him to school she decided to lighten the burden on her heart. In comparison to Prachi, Sukriti felt pretty selfish'but that didn't mean she had to be selfless like Prachi. She wanted to be an integral part of her son's life and that was not going to change. She was more than glad that Prachi understood that fact and had found a round about way of achieving it. Why Prachi had done it in a way that everyone hated her'.that much she didn't understand, but she would feel much better if she apologized. The only problem was that after creating so much fuss and saying so many things to Prachi, she didn't know how to face her anymore. She began by sharing the information with Asha tai who encouraged her to meet with Prachi.
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Prachi came out of the bathroom wiping her hair and sat down in front of the mirror and got scared seeing someone's reflection in the mirror. She turned around and stopped herself from screaming seeing that it was only Sukriti, she breathed a sigh. Then immediately she furrowed her brows. Why was Sukriti here? Ritwik!!!!!!!!!!!!! She was by her side in a blink, "What are you doing here? Is everything ok? Is Ritwik ok. Where is he?" she was being frantic and Sukriti stared in surprise making Prachi realize what she was doing. She composed herself' "I 'I didn't think you'd come back here unless there was good reason." Sukriti got up from the bed where she sat and handed Prachi the copy of the consent form she had gotten from the hospital. Prachi took it with confusion and then almost fell on her bed thinking how she'd explain herself to Sukriti now. "Why" she heard Sukriti asking her in an accusing tone. "Why did you do all this? Itna saara drama kiya'yeh jataaya ki Ritwik ki koi parvah nahi hai aapko? Why? So that I wouldn't feel guilty taking him from you?" Prachi sat mutely. "Khud ko mahaanta ki murat bana kar mujhe kitna khudgarz banaa diya aapne." Prachi turned and was shocked to see Sukriti in tears. She felt like kicking herself for deceiving her'Sukriti had always been gullible and everyone had taken advantage of that but Prachi had never imagined she'd do the same to her one day. Neither said a word for a while because both knew that things could not be changed'no amends could be made'Sukriti could never give Ritiwik back to Prachi and Prachi had no wish to undo what she had done. In the few days Ritwik had been away from the Mishras, Prachi had done her best to instill in him that Sukriti was his mother and would love him more than Prachi loved him and that the Mishras were his family, not the Shahs. She didn't know how much of it Ritwik had understood and accepted but she had sure hoped that with time and distance from her he'd grow to accept that truth.
Prachi sympathized with her and explained that though Ritwik would be sad now, eventually knowing his true identity and living with it was more important for him because if he ever found out at a later time, neither Prachi nor Sukriti could explain to him why they hid the truth from him. He might end up hating both of them, Prachi for keeping him away from his real mother and Sukriti for not loving him enough to give him up to Prachi. Both women understood this and accepted it. It would have been more painful for Prachi if she didn't feel Sukriti was capable of fulfilling her void in Ritwik's life but Sukriti still couldn't help feeling guilty for being the cause of pain for Prachi. Prachi had done nothing but good for her and Sukriti could do nothing in return. Suddenly Prachi felt something heavy in her arms and looked down at the bag Sukriti had placed in her lap. It contained all the baby pictures of Ritwik that Prachi has collected and Sukriti had taken with her a few days ago. "At least I can return these to you, bhabhi" she said with a heavy heart. "I am the one who has no right to even touch these memories" she was close to tears again. Prachi smiled at the bitter sweet moment, "Tumhari aadat choot gayi thi Sukriti, mujhe 'bhabhi' kehne ki. Vaapis mat dalo" Prachi said accepting the pictures back from her. Sukriti looked Prachi in the eye and taking her hand in hers she replied, "Bhaiya se aapne rishta kayam na kiya ho'lekin mere liye ek bhabhi maa ka farz nibhaya hai aapne'hamesha. Jab iss baat ka ehsaas hota hai'apko bhabhi kehne ka mann karta hai. Keh sakti hoon na?" she had requested earnestly. A lump had formed in Prachi's throat seeing the honesty in Sukriti's eyes'and she was reminded of Ritwik'he had his mothers soft brown eyes and it reflected the same innocence and wonder. It was the same set of eyes that invoked the motherly feelings in her'she was afraid if she looked into her eyes any longer, she might just confess the whole truth'including how much she loved her brother and wanted to be her bhabhi for real. So she simply nodded her head in agreement and hugged Sukriti not wanting her to see the tears that had formed.
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Sukriti had come home feeling much more calm. The tension of the past few weeks having left her, she felt at peace. It had greatly helped to clear the air with Prachi. But then she remembered how her brother still didn't know the truth. She would tell him soon she thought but when Milind came home she'd gotten engrossed in discussing Ritwik's new room with him. Milind had taken the next day off to personally design Ritwik's new room and was going to involve his nephew in every part of the project. The prospect had given him renewed energy and all was due to Ritwik's return. He was glad Ritwik was back and had broken the dreary existence that had become his life of late.
After hours of laboring when finally Milind and Ritwik were called down to lunch. Ritwik looked like a mini Milind with matching bandana and same colored t-shirt and jeans, both identically painted head to toe. Sukriti laughed seeing them this way and Milind almost stood staring seeing the joy on his sister's face'she hadn't laughed like that in a while. Asha tai was less amused and refused to serve them until they both washed up. However, the lighter mood in the family was broken when at the lunch table Milind questioned why Ritwik was being fed from a separate platter. Sukriti had slowly explained to him that Ritwik was on a strict low sodium diet and that's why she had made food separately for him. Milind had gaped in shock on learning Ritwik's condition. Why was he kept in the dark about this? Why had Ayesha never mentioned it to him in all the emails he had sent her inquiring about Ritwik. Why hadn't he noticed anything earlier? But then he rarely stayed home to notice things that were deftly secreted away from him. Why had Prachi never told him in the several months they had lived together'but then why did he expect anything from her. She made absolutely no sense to him and he had given up trying to analyze her. He realized that Prachi purposely made her food without much salt because of Ritwik...and he had thought she simply neglected that he wanted more salt in his food. He had always ended up adding more of it at the dining table. But the biggest shocker ofcourse came when he learned what Prachi intended to do for Ritwik.
He was never really convinced that Prachi hated Ritwik or that she had rid herself of the responsibility. But he hadn't questioned Sukriti when she had claimed so on the day she brought Ritwik back. He hadn't wanted to probe and create more confusion than there already was. Sukriti was happy and Ritwik was with them'nothing mattered more or so he thought. But now he couldn't ignore the thought of Prachi that kept creeping up in his heart. Seeing the changing expressions on her brother Sukriti felt for the first time after finding out the truth about Milind and Prachi's marriage, that Milind might have had feelings for Prachi. She saw his eyes flicker with a faint hope and at the same time something else that she didn't understand. She wondered for the first time whether the drama of marriage had at some point started to feel like reality for them?
Only Milind knew what it was he got when Sukriti cleared the misunderstandings. This was the one thing that gave his heart the needed assurance that he wasn't wrong. He hadn't made a mistake again, in trusting Prachi. But it also made him angry to think she hid it all from him. She never told him about Ritwik's condition. Why? Was this the reason she frequently had nightmares and was so afraid for Ritwik? But why had she never felt him worthy of sharing any of this information? The extent of Prachi's sacrifice for his sister just blew his mind. He didn't understand how she could bare all the accusations that he had hurled at her'all for what'he couldn't think of any reasons for her actions. Why had she remained quiet? Why had she let him think the worst of her? He had thought they had formed some sort of bond over the few months they had lived together. Maybe it meant more to him than it did to her but did it not mean anything at all to her? Had she no regard for it?'she had thrown it all out the window when she left his home. He needed some answers...only Prachi could answer. He was done assuming what was going on in that head of hers. He was going to ask her directly. And he was going to do that at the earliest possible time'however, Asha tai stopped him. She told him to meet Prachi after two days and not to talk to her meanwhile. He didn't understand what was the need to wait and why she was restricting him but she didn't explain. She simply smiled and patted his cheeks saying "Intezaar ka phal meetha hota hai mere bachche" and Milind looked at Sukriti who simply shrugged indicating she had no idea what the reason was. Milind was staring to have a sneaking suspicion that Asha tai seemed to have so much insight into Prachi because they were very similar in certain ways'for example'both had a secretive nature and often talked in riddles and most importantly left him confused.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Shah family sat in the main hall with their new relatives, Alaap's in-laws and Naintara and her husband with his family had joined them. They had all just arrived and Alaap's in-laws were busy sizing up the mansion. It was definitely smaller than their palace like bunglow in the outskirts of Delhi but the marriage had not been one of monetary benefits for them. The Shahs were a well respected family in Mumbai, Mr. Bhushan had made a thorough enquiry before marrying off his only daughter to Alaap. More than Alaap's qualities, it had been the reputation of his family that had made him agree to this alliance immediately. Alaap hadn't impressed Mr. Bhushan much but he knew Alaap was easy to control because he needed money, which Mr. Bhushan had plenty of to spend on his daughter. What he needed was a safe and secure place for his daughter where she would be loved inspite of her flaws and all the things he had heard about the Shahs, he was sure this was the right family for her. He had sized up Alaap in one of the parties he had thrown for his political and business friends. He had come to know of Alaap's financial crisis and after doing further research into his background had found the right time to make him the offer'he had offered to bail him out in return for marrying his daughter and ensuring that she remained happy at all costs. Now he sat in SM proud of the way he had fulfilled his duty to his daughter and watched on as she happily introduced herself to the rest of the family. PL had forced herself not to be rude though she desperately wanted to'and had even politely allowed her new "Samdhis" to stay in her house for a few days. Mr. Bhushan had actually wanted to make sure his daughter would be well adjusted in her new environment and therefore had made the excuse of some important work in Mumbai and almost forced his stay in SM, though his wife had tried to appear a bit more decent, but she too was worried about how her daughter would adjust to the new family.
Finally after introducing everyone PL felt tired from the travel and the constant mental strain she was under due to what had happened in the past few days and wanted to end the day. She asked for dinner and the ladies went to the kitchen to prepare. It was then that PL felt herself sighing in relief and finally could meet her children without feeling like she was being judged every minute. But soon was interrupted by Alaap who came to inform her that his father-in-law suffered from high cholesterol and therefore couldn't eat anything fried or too oily. "Hmmm" was the only reply he got from PL. He lingered on wondering if he should talk to her'maybe she'd understand his reasons better now but then seeing Prachi and Ayesha sense the tension between him and PL he receded his steps. They hadn't known about his wife yet'and maybe he could wait to tell them'they'd find out eventually and if they suspected anything already, they certainly didn't show it. He was especially worried what Prachi might think but to some extent he also cared how Ayesha would react to his marriage. This marriage had been more than just a way for him to save his company'it was also his last attempt at asking for forgiveness'from everyone'from Sukriti, from Prachi, and also from Ayesha and her mom. He sighed and walked away leaving PL and the girls in the kitchen to catch up.
PL had noticed the absence of Ritwik. When she asked Prachi avoided her eyes and said that he had gone back with Sukriti. If PL had noticed the flighty expressions on her, she hadn't given much importance to it because she was focused on Ayesha's glowing face. She was smiling to herself and when she noticed PL looking, a blush came across her face that intrigued PL further. It was as if the girl was brimming to tell her something. "Ayesha?? Kya baat hai beta'tum kuch kehna chahti ho?" she asked and Prachi looked at Ayesha curiously. Ayesha's smile widened and the color on her cheeks got deeper. "Actually I wanted to tell you first'aapke aane ka intezaar tha isliye Prachi ko bhi nahi bataya'" she replied feeling extremely shy. "OMG please cut the preface and just tell us'" Anjali interjected impatiently though PL had already a faint idea what it was going to be. Finally Ayesha spilled the beans and looked up at everyone expectantly. Anjali had dropped the piece of cake she was about to put in her mouth and Prachi was the first one to hug Ayesha and congratulate her happily. Anjali followed her but PL stood across from Ayesha unsure of what she was going to do. She was happy for Ayesha..she really was'but was also reminded of Soumya. The thought of her daughter had PL rooted to her place and her face had gone a bit pale. "Mom'.badi maa" Anjali and Prachi called out to her in unison and PL realized she couldn't take this moment away from Ayesha. She put her hand on Ayesha's head and kissed her forehead, blessing her' "Khush raho beta'" and that's all she could muster but all three of them saw the deep sorrow in her eyes. Then composing herself PL called for Neev who had known immediately what it was for'he had opened the refrigerator and took out the bowl of halwa made by Ayesha earlier for this occasion. And he made the special mention that the halwa was definitely sweet this time forcing a laugh from everyone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After dinner everyone had sat down in the family room. It was a cozy place with a fireplace and that was where Inder's piano resided. It hadn't been played since Inder had passed and no one dared to touch it either. But PL cleaned it everyday herself though she didn't know why. Maybe it was the memories she saw reflected in its polished shine that gave her a bit of respite during her day. Sitting with the whole family there today, PL had become nostalgic. She missed Bobby and more than him she was missing Soumya. She looked over at the stool beside the piano and like usual her glassy eyes saw a faint image of Inder playing it with a smile and a young Prachi and Soumya by him'Prachi sitting with him playing her part of the song and Soumya happily twirling to the music. PL's eyes were brimming and she felt Prachi snuggle closer to her on the sofa and squeeze her hands. Prachi knew what her mother was thinking that moment. Suddenly the mood was broken with the loud noise of a guitar string. Everyone looked in the direction of the door and Alaap looked most shocked seeing his wife standing there with his old guitar. Where had she found that and when had she gone rummaging through his closet? Alaap looked on embarrassed when she walked up to him saying "Yeh tumhaara hai na. Isse baja ke bataao" and when she saw him reluctant she pushed the guitar in his hands, "Abhi'mujhe abhi gaana sunna hai" she cried loudly and Alaap lowered his eyes unable to meet the confused and shocked expressions from the part of his family that hadn't been at his wedding. Finally he had to relent. It had been a really long time since he touched this guitar and seeing that the rest of the family too was in a mood for some music he strung it properly and hummed an old song'one he had heard his father sing. Soon he was joined by Prachi on the piano.
Link to song
Zindagi ek geet hai isse honton pe saja le
Gham ho ya khushi ho, pyaar se gunguna le
Din ho ya raat ho, dil ki hi baat ho
Koi na jo saath ho, gaaye jaa
Zindagi ek geet hai isse honton pe saja le
Gham ho ya khushi ho, pyaar se gunguna le
Dil ki yeh dhadkan gaaye ga pa ma ma dha pa re ma ga
Duniya jise dohraaye nagme aise tu suna
Dhoop mein chaav mein, Sapno ke gaav mein
Pyaar ke baahon mein, gaaye jaa
Saat suron ka sangam ho jaye toh bane sargam
Khile phool se hum tum mehke khusboo har dum
Tu hai mera jigar, tu hai meri nazar
Tu mera hum safar, gaaye jaa
Zindagi ek geet hai isse honton pe saja le
Gham ho ya khushi ho, pyaar se gunguna le
Throughout the song PL had imagined Inder singing it with all her children strung onto him'one on his shoulder two on either of his hands and one hugging his leg. Those years were the happiest of her life and she had relived them in a few moments. When the song ended so did her trip down memory lane. She looked at Alaap who had been aware of the effect the song was having on his mother. But the way she was looking at him now, he felt that she had softened towards him and hoped that she'd someday forgive him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next day
Milind parked the car and headed towards SM. He was a bit surprised to find a lot of activity going on inside the house. He wondered if he had come at the wrong time. Maybe he should have called Prachi instead of just showing up like this. He entered the mansion anyway. He had just stepped in when he saw a blur of movement in front of him and turned his head in the direction. A girl was running around him in circles and was even pushing him in her effort to dodge who ever it was that was chasing her. He finally got a hold of her and stopped her and she stared at him in surprise and then the expression changed to anger. "Kaun ho tum!" she demanded as he left her arms. "Yahaan kyun aaye ho..aur Mera haath itni zor se kyun pakda?...Chale jao'go away" she said pushing him though he didn't budge. He wondered who she was and why she was talking like that. He registered that she was not normal mentally. He looked around and found Alaap standing behind her with a plate of food staring at the two of them with a strange expression. "Suyesha mehmaano se aise nahi kehte. Ithar aao" he commanded her and she turned away irritated. "Main nahi aaongi" she replied and turned back to Milind, "Aur mehmaan ne mujhko kyun roka. Ganda mehman' Isse kaho chale jaaye" she made a face at Milind who stood shocked wondering who she was and what was going on here. Prachi had never mentioned any such relative'but then Prachi had never really shared her life with him all that much. Alaap had set the plate of food aside and was taking Suyesha by her hand when she protested, "mujhe nahi khanaaaaaaaaaaaa'tum gande pati ho'mere liye gaana bhi nahi gaate'mein nahi khaungi" she started to hit him. That's when it finally sunk in and shocked Milind that this girl was Alaap's wife. Alaap had gotten married to her???? Alaap looked at Milind with what closely resembled an expression of helplessness as he obviously had his hands full. He simply informed him that Prachi was upstairs and that's all Milind really cared about. He didn't spare another thought for Alaap though he did pause and glance back at him trying hard to get her to eat something and then he headed upstairs. Alaap meanwhile was being chased by a guitar and his wife who was going to kill him if he didn't start singing. He finally got Suyesha to hand him the guitar when he promised to sing for her if she ate her dinner.
Ok so now wait another month for the next update...and i am not joking. Can't see myself updating before December 2...maybe i'll have the thanksgiving weekend to write...then maybe. But at least you know what to expect next....its going to be all and only Michi.😃
Please guys give me your comments. Its hard to find inspiration these days to write...find myself really bored and lazy when it comes to writing. What helps is comments from you ppl...i don't expect praises...just tell me what you like and don't like. It helps me understand how the story is being understood and if i am doing a good job with what i want you guys to take away from my updates.
Thanx again for reading...and all those who comment regularly. You guys are priceless.🤗
TRANSLATIONS
" Kya mera koi hakk nahi hai apne bete ke baare mein jaanne ka. Mujhe pata hai..voh mujhse Ritwik ke baare mein kuch chupa rahi hai…par mein bhi pata karke hi rahoongi. Bas bohot ho gaya…mujhe mera Ritwik wapis chahiye. Mein nahi reh sakti uske bina." Do I not have any rights to know about my son? I know she is hiding something about Ritwik. But I'll find it out. Enough is enough. I want my Ritwik back..i can't live without him.
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PL: "Ek toh tumse theek se chala nahi jaata, aur tum phudakti aise ho jaise pairon mein spring lage hon." First of all you can't walk properly yet you jump around like you have springs attached to your legs.
PL: "Nahi nahi table ko tumse koi puraani dushmani hai na joh tumhaare pairon se aakar lag gayi." No no the table has some previous enmity with you to come and injure you.
Anjali: "Aaah Badi maa..bas…dard ho raha hai" Its paining me.she cried in pain.
PL: "Jab aankh aur kaan band karke chalogi toh aisa dard bhi uthana padega."When you walk with your eyes and ears closed then you'll have to suffer like this.
Anjali: "Badi maa…mujhe kuch dino ke liye vaapis jaana padega." I have to go back for a few more days.
PL looked at her shocked "Par tumne vaada kiya tha mujhse, ke abke baar vaapis aakar phir tum kahin nahi jaaogi" PL looked hurt. You had promised that you weren't going to go anywhere once you came back.
Anjali: "haan badi maa, lekin mujhe toh achaanak aana pada. Bas thoda sa vakt aur chahiye. Kuch adhoora reh gaya tha jo poora karna hai." I know but I had to return suddenly. There is just a little bit of work left that I need to finish.
PL: "Theek hai toh mein bhi chaloongi tumhaare saath." Then I am coming with you.
Anjali: "Par badi maa..aap…aap nahi aa sakti…mujhe akele jaana hoga." But I must go alone.
PL: "Gudiya ek toh tum seedhe chal phir nahi sakti. Upar se akele jaana chahti ho? Jaane kaunsa kaam aisa hai jo tum iss halat mein bhi poora karna chahti ho. Bas meine keh diya…tum akele nahi jaogi." First of all you can't even walk by yourself. Yet you want to go alone. What kind of work is this that you want to finish even in this condition. I've told you you are not going anywhere alone.
Aur Kavya ki Dadi kaafi ziddi hai Prachi. Kavya's grandmother is very stubborn. Voh apni davayian lene se inkaar kar rahi hai jab tak voh mujhe dekh nahi leti.She is refusing to take her medicines till she sees me. Ab bata main kya karoon?"now you tell me what I should do.
Prachi: "hmm…a real problem…but your problem…tu sabki problems solve karti hai na…apna bhi kar le." You solve everyone's problems right, solve you own too. Prachi joked.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dinner time @ Shah residence.
"Lekin Saayah…Amrita ji…aur Anjali bhi toh…ghar kaun sambhalega", who will take care of them. PL had many excuses. "Main hoon na yaahaan mom" I am here. Prachi volunteered. "Prachi tujhe apne ghar vaapis nahi jaana? Milind ko bhool gayi tu?" Don't you have to go back to your house. Have you forgotten about Milind.
"Toh kya hua…mein bhi toh hoon." But I am here too Ayesha had suggested. "Yes Badi ma..and I promise, mein apna ache se khayal rakhoongi"I'll take good care of myself. Anjali added her assurance.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Main baat karta hoon"I'll talk to her.
"Kisse?" To whom?
"Sukriti se, aur kisse?" Sukriti who else. he replied.
Asha tai: "Kya kahega tu? Ke apne bete ko tu bhool ja?" What will you say..to forget her son?
Milind: "Toh phir…main kya karoon? Sukriti ko kya zaroorat thi Prachi se kehne ki, ke voh Ritwik ko le jaa sakti hai. Uss vakt kyun nahi socha…tab usse Prachi ke ehsaan nazar aa rahe the. Ab voh ehsaan nahi rahe kya?" What was the need for her to give up her son. At that time she could only see the favors Prachi had done. Now where did those favors disappear to.
Asha tai: "Milind maine pehle bhi tujhe kaha tha ki Prachi aur Ritwik ka lagaav achcha nahi hai. Jab vakt tha tab uss rishte mein dheel lani chahiye thi tujhe. Uss bhache ko yeh baat samjhani chahiye thi ki Sukriti uski maa hai. Ya phir tujhe Sukriti ki shaadi ke baare mein nahi sochna chahiye tha." I had warned you about Prachi and Ritwik's closeness before. You should have done something to break that attachment earlier. Should have told him that Sukriti is his mother… Or else you shouldn't have thought of Sukriti's marriage.
Milind: "Aap yeh sab baatein ab kyun kar rahi hain?" why are you bringing this up now?
Asha tai: "Kyunki ghade, iss baat ko hal bhi sirf tu kar sakta hai." Because only you can solve this issue
Milind: "Kaise?" How.
Asha tai: "Jab pehle Ritwik ko lekar behas hui thi..tab tune kya kiya tha?? Prachi se shaadi kar li thi…haina? Ab phir se vohi mudda nikla hai. Aur solution sirf yeh hai ke Prachi aur Sukriti ek ghar mein ek saath rahe. Ab Sukriti toh Shah parivaar ke saath reh nahi sakti…kyunki tu kabhi Alaap se uski shaadi hone nahi dega. Toh bachcha kya…Prachi yahaan aakar rahe…aur socha jaaye toh…voh teri biwi bhi hai…usse toh yahi rehna chahiye." When there was a debate on Ritwik's custody first, you had solved it by marrying Prachi. Now the same issue has come up again and its only solution is that Sukriti and Prachi live under one roof. Since you won't allow Sukriti and Alaap's marriage then the only way is to get Prachi back here.
Milind: "Asha tai…aap kya bol rahi ho. Usne jo kiya uske baad bhi aap chahti hain ki mein usse vaapis le aaun. Aur voh biwi nahi hai meri. Yeh shaadi ek natak tha kaha na maine. You want me to bring her back after all that she's done. And besides she is not my wife. It was all a farce.
Asha tai was furious now. "Kya natak tha Milind? Tumne saari duniya ke saamne joh rasme nibhaayi voh naatak tha? Tumhaari kanoonan shaadi huyi hai Milind. Tum dono ke mann mein chahe jo bhi ho…duniya ke saamne, bhagvaan ko sakshi maan kar tumne shaadi ki hai Prachi se. Shaadi koi khel nahi hai jo tum..." What was a farce? That you had married her in front of the world performing all the rites and rituals. You are legally wed. Whatever my have been in your hearts…to the rest of the world you are husband and wife. Marriage is not a game.
She continued when she was calmer. "Milind tumhe kya lagta hai..main jaanti nahi hoon. Tu jo raat raat bhar ghar mein chaukidaari kar raha hai pichle 2 hafton se…iska kya matlab hai Milind. Teri pareshaani ki vajah sirf Prachi hai…kyunki tu uska kayaal apne dil se nahi nikaal pa raha hai." Don't you think I know Milind. What is the meaning of the sleepless nights you have spent in the past 2 weeks. The reason for your restlessness is only Prachi…because you can't get her out of your heart.
"Mujhse jhoot bolne ki koshish bhi mat karna Milind." Don't even try to lie to me.
Milind: "Shayad…shayad mujhe aadat ho gayi thi uski. Itne vakt mein usse ek achcha dost…saathi samajhne laga tha. Lekin kya faida tai. Prachi toh sirf Ritwik ke liye ruki thi yahaan. Aur mein kabhi nahi bhool sakta ki Prachi aur uss Alaap ne milkar ek baar phir meri behen ki zindagi se khelna chaha." Maybe..i had gotten used to her. I had started to think of her as a friend..a good companion. But whats the use. She stayed only for Ritwik. And I can't forget that she joined with that Alaap to manipulate my sister again.
Asha tai: "Milind…ho sakta hai ki Prachi sach mein Sukriti ka bhala chahti ho. Sukriti ki tarah usne bhi samjha ho ke Alaap badal gaya hai..aur isliye usne un dono ko milvaana chaha ho." Couldn't it be that she may have genuinely felt that Alaap has changed.
Milind: "Alaap kabhi nahi badlega tai. Aur aap uski baat toh bilkul mat keejiye. Aur agar Prachi khudgarz nahi hai toh Ritwik ko lekar kyun chali gayi. Ritwik ko apni maa ko yahaan kyun nahi rehne diya. Uss din jab Sukriti Ritwik ko le aana chahti thi..tab Prachi ne usse roka kyun?" Don't even mention that Alaap tai. Besides if Prachi was not selfish then why did she take Ritwik with her. Why didn't she send him back that day when Sukriti had asked for him.
Asha tai: "Milind mujhe aaj tak insaan ko parakhne mein galti nahi hui hai. Tumse zyaada zindagi dekhi hai maine. Aur mein dava kar sakti hoon ke Prachi jaan boojh kar kisi ka bura nahi kar sakti. Prachi un logon mein se hai Milind jo doosron ke liye apni khushiyan kurbaan kar dete hain. Aur yehi log aksar dusron ke nazron mein gunehgaar ban jaate hain." I've hardly been wrong in judging character Milind. I've seen more life than you. And I can bet that Prachi purposely won't want to hurt anyone. Prachi is among those who give up their happiness for others. And its often such people who are misunderstood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Neev tum so gaye" Neev are you asleep?
"Haan main so gaya" yes I am asleep
END OF PART I
~~~~~~~PART II~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hey…itni naraaz kyun ho? Gussa toh mujhe hona chahiye." Why are you so upset. I should be the one getting angry
Look at you Ayesha…kya haal bana liya hai tumne apna." What have you done to yourself?
Ayesha: "Neev mein doctor ke paas gayi thi." Neev I went to the Doctor.
Neev: "What…when? Kya kaha doctor ne? Kya hua hai tumhe…you'r alright right. Kuch..serious toh nahi hai na." what did the doc say? Its nothing serious right.
"Hamaare bachche ko kabhi kissi baat ki kami nahi hogi" Our child will not lack anything
"Hum isse bohot pyar karnge" We'll give him/her lots of love
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Prachi: "Tumne suna hoga…newspaper mein bhi aaya tha…Alaap ke shaadi ke baare mein." You must have heard. It was in the newspaper too…about Alaap's wedding.
Prachi: "Bohot amir log hai…Her father is a politician…aur phir abhi ke haalat mein Alaap ko aise hi rishte ki zaroorat thi." They are rich…her father is a politician…and in his current state alaap needed such a relationship.
Prachi: "Maine toh socha tha ki tum dono shaadi kar lete toh…sab theek ho jaata…Ritwik apne maa-baap dono ke saath rehta…lekin shayad uske naseeb mein hi nahi hai baap ka saayah. And maybe you and Alaap were never meant to be…isliye toh itni koshish ke baad bhi tum dono ki shaadi nahi karva saki mein." I had thought that if you two got together Ritwik could be with both his parents but maybe its not in your fate. That's why I couldn't do anything even with so much efforts.
"Mujhe yeh sab bakwaas sunane ke liye bulaaya hai?" did you call me here to listen to this. she said spitefully.
"Samajh kya rakha hai tumne mere bachche ko?" What do you think my son is. "He is not a football that you will kick him around from here to there.
He doesn't need any of you…he doesn't need a father…mein hoon uske liye.I am there for him.
"Kitne nakhre the tumhaare…How much drama did you create
~~~~~~~~~~~
END OF PART II
~~~~~~~PART III~~~~~~~~~~~
"Koi baat nahi beta..hum phir kabhi aa jaayenge…ok" Its ok, we'll come back another time.
"hi…kaise ho Vishal" how are you Vishal she tried smiling catching her breath. "hi…yeh toh achcha hua mere haath lag gaya…nahi toh Olympics mein medal jeet kar hi lautta shayad" Its good that I caught him otherwise he would have returned only after winning the Olympics.
"Bohot shaitaan ho gaya hai" he has become too naughty
- "Vaise hua kya" but what happened?
"Uncle aap Sayaah baby se milne aaye ho na…mujhe bhi dekhna hai", Uncle you came to see the baby right I want to see too.
"Voh nurse ne manaa kar diya tha" The nurse didn't allow us.
"Isliye upset ho gaya tha."That's why he was upset.
"Chalo phir dekhte hain kis nurse ne hamaare Ritwik ko rokne ki zurrat ki hai". Lets go see which nurse dared to stop Ritwik.
"Mamma baby ke haath mein kya hua?" What happened on the baby's arm
"Voh baby ko davai dene ke liye hai" Its to give the baby medicine
Lekin baby ko dard hoga na" But it will be hurting the baby right
"Uncle baby ko sona hai" uncle baby wants to sleephe informed.
"Toh baby ki mummy ko bolo lori sunaane ke liye" So tell the baby's mom to sing a lullaby.
"Lekin Ritwik beta baby ki mummy toh yahaan nahi hai"The baby's mom is not here
"Kaahaan gayi?"Where did she go?
"Voh toh bhagvaan ji ke paas chali gayi." She went to God
"Toh phir baby kaise soyegi?" So how will the baby sleep
Koi baat nahi..mere paas doh doh mummy hai. Meri mummy ko le lo" That's ok. I have two moms. Take mine.
"Mumma aap lori sunao baby ko" Mom you sing a lullaby for baby.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Why did you do all this? Itna saara drama kiya…yeh jataaya ki Ritwik ki koi parvah nahi hai aapko? You created so much drama..made me believe that you didn't care for Ritwik.
"Khud ko mahaanta ki murat bana kar mujhe kitna khudgarz banaa diya aapne." You made yourself the epitome of greatness and made me quiet selfish
"Tumhari aadat choot gayi thi Sukriti, mujhe 'bhabhi' kehne ki. Vaapis mat dalo" You have rid yourself of the habbit of calling me Bhabhi. Don't get used to it again.
"Bhaiya se aapne rishta kayam na kiya ho…lekin mere liye ek bhabhi maa ka farz nibhaya hai aapne…hamesha. Jab iss baat ka ehsaas hota hai…apko bhabhi kehne ka mann karta hai. Keh sakti hoon na?" You may not have had a relationship with my brother. But you have been a sister-in-law to me. When I think about it, I feel like calling you bhabhi. I can right?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Intezaar ka phal meetha hota hai mere bachche" patience is fruitful my child
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Ayesha?? Kya baat hai beta…tum kuch kehna chahti ho?" Whats the matter? You want to tell me something?
Khush raho beta…" Stay happy child.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yeh tumhaara hai na. Isse baja ke bataao" This si yours right. Play it.
"Abhi…mujhe abhi gaana sunna hai"
NOW I want to hear a song now. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next day
"Kaun ho tum!"
who are you? "Yahaan kyun aaye ho..aur Mera haath itni zor se kyun pakda?...Chale jao…go away"
Why did you come here. And why did you hold my hand so tightly. Go away. "Suyesha mehmaano se aise nahi kehte. Ithar aao"
Suyesha this is no way to treat guests. Come here. "Main nahi aaongi"
I won't come. "mujhe nahi khanaaaaaaaaaaaa…tum gande pati ho…mere liye gaana bhi nahi gaate…mein nahi khaungi"
I don't want to eat. You are a bad husband. Don't even sing for me. I won't eat.Edited by jinc118 - 16 years ago
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