Hi guys, after a long hiatus from writing and Indian drama land in general, I've decided to give in to temptation and rejoin the world of rabba ve's (or allah wariyan's in this case) and prolonged MUs. What usually draws me to a show is the chemistry between the leads which Shabbir and Sriti have by the bucketful. I'm only watching two shows currently and this is a cross over between KKB and KYY. I don't think you'll have a hard tim following the OS if you don't watch Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan.
Word count : 2609
Please note: I tried to stay true to the characters but sometimes, my writing takes on a life of its own. Also, Pragya is a music professor at SPACE Academy in my OS 😉
Too Late...
Ever since the MMS fiasco, any contact between Abhi and Pragya had completely ceased. He hadn't seen her, let alone spoken to her in weeks. They were still living in the same house, courtesy of dadi who had refused to let Pragya leave, her faith in her daughter-in-law unshakeable. Abhi who had been advised by her doctors not to agitate her, had grudgingly allowed Pragya to remain in the house and Pragya, humbled by the faith that dadi had in her, had decided to stay back till dadi regained her health.
That said, Pragya had moved out of their bedroom and into a guest room, not wanting to subject herself to more ridicule and hatred from the man who had completely crushed her heart as well as self-esteem. She no longer ate with the family either, choosing instead to remain cloistered in her own room or with dadi until it was time for Abhi to arrive, at which time, she would make herself scarce.
As a result, Abhi hadn't seen hide or hair of his wife in 3 weeks. She has resumed working - something he had learned from Robin of all people, which ensured that she was out during the day. She was gone by the time he woke up and arrived well before he got home. He tried to convince himself that he was happier without her, but his heart felt heavy every time he returned to his empty bedroom.
Pragya had been all set to leave when despite all her efforts, Abhi refused to believe in her innocence. She had begged and pleaded for him to trust in her but her pleas had fallen on deaf ears. She had then realized that it was all futile - Abhi had formed an opinion about her a long time ago and his actions and decisions were all dictated by his preconceived notions about her character.
The realization was freeing - she was not in the wrong, rather it was Abhi who has blinders on when it came to her. Her heart had felt lighter than it had in days and she resolved to resume her life. True her heart had been broken callously but there were women in the world that had gone through greater physical and emotional pain and survived. She would too.
Pragya has resumed teaching as a professor at SPACE academy. Music was like a balm to her aching soul and working with students who shared her love for music brought her great peace. Her love for music had also been one of the reasons that she had agreed to marry Abhi - though hesitantly. She had hoped that music would be something that they would be able to bond over...
No! She was not going down that path again. She would not live in the world of "what ifs".
Abhi took in a deep breath as he stepped out of his car and down the familiar path leading up to SPACE Academy. He had been invited as a judge for the inter-college competition by his former principal- back to the place that had given him his start, and despite his busy schedule, he didn't have it in his heart to refuse. This place had taught him to dream and then work hard to achieve those dreams.
Word about his arrival spread quickly and he was soon mobbed by his many fans. He smiled and signed autographs for them before he was whisked away to the auditorium where the contest was to be held. Since there was still a good half an hour before the contest officially started, Abhi set off to explore his old stomping ground and found himself backstage, staring in bafflement at his wife who was surrounded by students. Only, she didn't look like the Pragya he remembered - three weeks were a short yet long time to go without seeing someone but the changes in his wife were drastic. Her already tiny frame looked skinner and she looked like she was in need of a good night's sleep. But her eyes - those hypnotic eyes that had been dull and lifeless the last time he had spoken to her sparkled with joy and humor as she laughed and joked with those around her.
"What is she doing here?" He wondered. His eyes widened when he took into stock what she was wearing. His usually kurta shalwar clad wife was wearing skinny jeans with a stylish kurti. "Makeover for that double battery huh" he thought maliciously. "Probably has a date with him later". The rational part of his brain went on hiatus as jealous Abhi took over and his hands curled into a fist when he saw a student saunter over to her and swing an arm around her neck. "This woman really has no morals...cozying up to students now" he mumbled.
Pragya smiled blissfully as she watched the hustle and bustle around her. Her students had been gearing up for the inter-college music contest and she had been working tirelessly to help them get prepared. Each and every single one of her students was talented and while Pragya tried not to plat favorites, she had a huge soft corner in her heart for the academy's devilish fivesome - who went by Fab 5.
The Fab 5 were a close knit group of friends - more family than friends really and the level of loyalty they had towards each other was one that she was both proud and envious of. She had struggled initially to make any head way with the antagonistic bunch but they had eventually warmed up to her and treated her with a great deal more respect than they awarded anyone else.
She had guided and mentored them with a smile and unending patience. She was the first to notice the sparks that ignited anytime Manik and Nandini came within 5 meters of each other - their attitude towards each other reminded her of her interactions with Abhi and she hoped that things worked out between the two. She adored the dynamics between this group of mismatched individuals who fit in so well together. From shy Dhruv to Barbie doll Alya, emo-ish Mukti to carefree prankster Cabir and the unofficial leader of the bunch - Manik Malhotra who was all ego with a humongous heart underneath. She treated them as equals and in return, they treated her as an honorary member of their group.
She was startled out of her thoughts when she felt an arm settle around her neck and looked up to see Cabir smiling down at her. "Hey babe! Are you here to cheer us on?" he teased. "Cabir! How many times have I told you not to call me babe!" she said with a smile. "Let's do the math shall we - you're what like 6-7 years older than me... so definitely not an aunty. Too hot for me to call you di and Pragya is such an old fashioned name so babe will have to do" he teased. She glared at him for a minute before bursting out into laughter. "Oh it's been a while since I've laughed so hard" she gasped.
Abhi had been a silent spectator to this exchange and his blood boiled as he watched his wife bend over in laughter. She has never laughed like that in my presence he thought nastily. The rational side of his brain chose to speak up at that moment - I've never her reason to smile let alone laugh though. He squashed down that thought and strode back to the judges corner.
The competition kicked off and it soon became clear to Abhi that while all the bands that performed were talented, it was the band that the boy Cabir was a part that set the bar high. The members of the band were completely in tune with each other and performed as one body.
"Ladies and gentlemen, hold on to your seats as you wait comes to an end. All the bands performed exceptionally well but sadly, there can only be one winner. I'd like to thank all the students for putting on this great performance. So without any further delay, I'd like to invite our surprise judge who happens to be a former SPACE graduate to come on stage and announce the results. Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for Rockstar Abhi!" announced the MC.
He got off his seat and smirked as the cheers and hoots got louder and louder as he walked over to the stage. His eyes immediately sought out and found her in the crowd - a look of disbelief on her face as she stared up at him. Their eyes held for a second before she averted her gaze and his eyes hardened. So she wanted to ignore him huh, he'd show her.
"Why is he here? Damn I should've paid attention when the principal was talking about the judges," she fretted. She had gone 22 days without once laying her eyes on him and finding him before her eyes came as a shock to her.
"We would also like to invite on stage, Professor Pragya Mehra, Abhi's better half and one of our best professors, who has worked tirelessly to make this contest a huge success." Pragya jumped when she heard her name announced and Abhi was tempted to laugh at her panicked expression. It was as though the universe was conspiring to bring them face to face. She can't ignore me any longer now can she, he concluded gleefully.
Pragya made her way to the stage from between the crowd - she barely registered the crowd chanting her name, her body in automatic mode as her mind went blank.
She was shaken out of her trance when she felt his hand grasp hers to help her on to the stage. Abhi had no idea what prompted him to grab her arm - it had been a long time since he had seen her, let alone touched and the air between them thrummed with electricity. Pragya jerked away, the minute he let go of her arm and his chest tightened - why did he feel like he was in pain? He wondered.
Abhi took hold of the mike and watched as she shot a smile and discreet thumbs-up at Fab 5. "Hello everyone! Most of you know that I'm not one for long winded speeches but I have to say that the performances I've seen today have completely blown me away. I had the hardest time picking the winner but as was said before, there can only be one winner. But that does not mean that the rest of the bands lost - all it means is that those who don't win have to work a little harder, practice a little longer to achieve their goal. That said, the winner of this year contest it... FAB5!"
Abhi watched Pragya as she watched the winning band - Fab 5 with a soft smile on her face. His wife was a puzzle that Abhi had yet to figure out. She talked about ethics and morals but cheated on him behind his back. She was uptight and yet he'd seen her relax and joke about with her students. And she was a music professor! He had known that she was professor but had assumed that she taught history or equally boring subject like that. No wonder she sang well. A tentative touch to his arm brought him out of his musing. He looked down at Pragya to see her silently pointing to the trophy.
Abhi walked over to the Fab 5 with the trophy and was taken aback when they gathered around Pragya instead of him. As a rock star, he got his fair share of hero worship but this Fab 5 was one of a kind. He observed silently as she congratulated each and every single one of them, teasing them over their success and his jaw tightened when the lead singer for the band, Manik winked at his wife... his wife. The five huddled around for a group hug and Abhi had to take a step back to prevent himself from lunging at Cabir, who had shot forward and pulled Pragya into the hug.
The husband wife duo walked out silently and Pragya could tell from his stance that his barely suppressed anger would burst forth any second. The minute they entered a deserted hallway, he grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him, his eyes spitting fire.
"What the hell are you doing here Pragya? You resumed working and didn't even think to inform me?! And what are you wearing? Have you abandoned your holier than thou demeanor eh? He questioned furiously. "What is wrong with what I am wearing and who are you to question me about it? I don't see you going around screaming at your sister or your girlfriend for their choice in clothing then why judge me?" She snapped back.
"Oh shut up! And stop making excuses. And you're one to preach about morals babe", he remarked nastily. "I noticed the way you were flirting with that Cabir. Are you sleeping with your students now? Did you abandon that double battery or did he abandon you?" he asked ruthlessly. Tears sprang into her eyes at yet another unfounded accusation was hurled her way. She hadn't know that her broken heart could break further but the agony she was experiencing right now was surely the tattered remains of her heart shattering into millions of pieces
"Move away from her you asshole!" Pragya turned around horrified to see all Fab 5 standing behind her, witnessing her humiliation. One by one, all five members moved forward - Aaliya and Mukti stood on either side of her, their arms wrapped around her, holding her up while Dhruv, Manik and Cabir stood directly in front of her, glaring at Abhi - in her defense.
Manik moved forward and grabbed Abhi by the collar. "What the f**k did you just say to her? "This does not concern any of you!" Abhi retorted as he pushed Manik away. "You made it our concern when you tossed out this ridiculous accusation about one of our best friends and Pragya - the most remarkable human being I know" Manik exclaimed.
"How could you accuse someone so easily? What proof do you have of this alleged affair? Cabir questioned. "You are a sick, narrow minded asshole! You demeaned my relationship with my teacher just because you misconstrued our banter earlier. Listen up rock star, I am gay, I like men okay. Or do you not believe that either?"
Abhi looked away ashamed, his earlier taunts to Pragya resounding in his ears. When had he turned into this monster? He looked at Pragya and was alarmed to see hatred in her eyes. Her eyes had always conveyed many emotions to him - fear, anger, disdain, amusement but he had never NEVER seen such hatred and contempt in them and it wad all directed towards him and for the first time since his relationship with Pragya had started, he feared that things between them were truly over - that she would never return to his side again.
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