TS: The Leap (Update 4 on page 4) Completed! - Page 2

Shuklain sought refuge here. Every morning she would be the first one to reach the temple, and every night, the last one to leave. This had been her routine for the last 5 years. So much had changed for everyone. Even her.

Today, she could not concentrate on God. Not today. Krishna was returning today. She knew. She had overheard Lalia telling Gaj. Krishna was now a doctor. She wanted to bless her, to meet her and yet, she knew she could not face her.

She could not forget that unfateful day, 5 years ago, when he had come to the court and confessed his crimes. He had killed her son. She hated him then. He killed her son. Police had come and handcuffed him that very moment and seeing him in that state gave her peace. He deserved punishment. He killed her son, her Radhay lalla.

She knew he sought her forgiveness. At the court, he had looked at her and begged her for her forgiveness. He had accepted his sin. 5 years ago, she was too numb to empathise and forgive. A few days later Veer had sent the hospital transfer paper home. He wanted to return the hospital. Shukla wasn't at home, she had quickly sent those papers back.

She knew that she was the only one hurting for Radhay. By then she had realized that Shukla was only satisfying his ego. She did not want her son's hospital back in Shukla's hand. She did not trust him anymore. She wanted Krishna to run it.

Krishna. Even she had hurt her. Shuklain had hoped Krishna would come home now. She needed her. But Krishna left. She left to fulfil her dreams. Leaving everyone in misery. Shuklain was angry at Krishna for forgiving him.

Every day, Ajit would come by with one excuse or the other. She knew it was all Veer's doing. Every evening Dularay would visit her. She knew it was Krishna. Not that either of them told her anything, nor did she ask. She knew. She knew they wanted forgiveness. She did not hate them, but she was still very far from forgiving them.

These 5 years, Shuklain has been consumed by loneliness, sadness and pain. She was still not ready to forgive.

She could have easily spent her days at the temple at home but she sought refuge from her own people too. Everyone had changed. Everything had changed.

Today, Krishna was returning and so was Veer and Shuklain could not concentrate on God...

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The car stops in front of the temple. They both look at one another and then step out of the car.

Inside the temple, they look around for Shuklain. Suddenly they see her, together. Sitting in a corner, busy praying. She looked so weak and sad. She looked twice her age.

Shuklain felt Krishna's presence. She looked around and saw them. Their eyes met for a split second before she closed her eyes. She did not want them here. She did not want to look at them.

Veer ran to her, sat down in front of her.

Veer: Aunty ji...

Shuklain turned her face away with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Krishna: Mummy ji...

Shuklain: Chali jao yahan say... bhagwan k liye chlay jao...humain akela chor do...

They both look at one another. They knew now was not the time. They touch her feet knowing that they would probably never get her blessing, and get up to leave.

Pandit: Beta, Bhagwan k darshan tu kartay jao...

Veer: Jis din is ma ki maafi ya saza mil jae gi, bhagwan k darshan usi din ho jayn gae...

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Krishna, Doctor Veer!' A familiar voice stopped them outside the temple.

Krishna hugging Laliya: Bhabi, ap? Kasi hain ap?

Laliya: Hum theek hain. Tum kasi ho? Hum bht khush hain k tum doctor ban gae.

Krishna smiles: Thank you, bhabi. Bhabi, mummy ji yahan kyu hain...

Laliya: Kiya bataon Krishna. Tumaray janay k badh yahan sub badal gaya h. Tumaray bhaiyya bus din bhar kam pe rehtay hain aur raat bhar hospital me. Jasay ghar anay say bhag rahay hoon. Mummy ji b sara din yahan mandir me guzarti hain. Papa ji bhi pata ni kis dhun pe sawar hain. Uno ne sari bhag dor Bela k hatho dae di hai... Yahan ub phalay jasa kuch ni raha...

Krishna: Bhabi...

Laliya: Krishna, tum is sub ki fikar mat karo. Tum aur Dr Veer agae ho na... ub dheeray dheeray sub theek ho jae ga... Main ja k mummy ji ko khana dae k ati hoon...Tumse phr milon gi...

Veer and Krishna look at one another. It is time to go home...

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