So the intention was to have this as all one chapter but it ended up being too long. So I will be posting it in two parts. I was also going to post it over the weekend, but after today's TRP, I thought to post the first part today and the next will be posted on Saturday.
Part 7
Vir, Veer, Sudha and the children made their way into their new house. This was going to be their home for the next few months, well for Vir, Veer and Sudha. Veer was confused why his father wanted to rent for such a long time but he thought it's better for him to enjoy life in Delhi, than have him moping around in Rewari.
Today was also the day that Juhi and Manas would be sent to the hostel of their new school. The children were unhappy to leave Vir but this was their punishment for acting out. After Sudha explained to them that their Haathi wouldn't like them misbehaving, the children were on their best behaviour. Seeing the children behaving made Vir think again of whether to send them to the hostel. However he knew he couldn't have Dhwani around them, at least not now. It was bad enough that he was heartbroken, he didn't want the kids to be too. So for their betterment, they would be dropped off today. Then he can go to the party tonight along with Veer and Sudha.
Hostel
The children and Vir arrived at the hostel. Vir helped Juhi and Manas unpack their bags and get everything sorted. The children and him had tears in their eyes as they bid farewell. The children and Vir apologised to each other for the last 6 months.
Juhi: Baba, we're sorry for the way we acted. We just wanted your attention.
Vir: You don't need to apologise. You both wanted me to react and I'm sorry for not paying attention. I know now that only I didn't lose Bawri, you lost your Haathi too and me along with her. I'm sorry for the way I treated her. I regret everything I said to her but I can't even say I'm sorry to her. I only have you left now.
Manas: Then take us back please.
Vir: No, you have to stay here. You'll be safe here and you'll learn to be independent. More independent than you already are. Just remember that I love you both so much. I'm also staying in Delhi as well, so I'll come to see you often. I hope I can bring you both happiness and then take you back to Rewari.
The warden came and said it was time for Vir to leave. So Vir bid his goodbyes with both his children. Now he needed to get Bawri back, not just for his sake but for the children too.
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Pratap Singh house - Delhi
Vir came back to the new house after dropping the children off. He was visibly upset, Sudha and Veer reassured him it was the best solution for the children. Now that the children were out of the way, Vir decided it was the best time to let Veer and Sudha know about Bawri. So they wouldn't be shocked when they see her at the party. Vir asked them both to take a seat.
Vir: There's something you both should know before we go to Daksh' party tonight.
Veer: What is it?
Vir: There's no easy way to say this... but Bawri is alive.
Veer: What?
Sudha remembered how she saw Purvi at the traffic lights in the car.
Sudha: I told you I saw Purvi! I knew it wasn't my imagination.
Vir was surprised. Sudha had seen Dhwani before he could even tell her.
Veer: How can this be? She died 6 months ago. Dead people don't back. It must have been someone else.
Vir: No she's right here in Delhi. I've met her a few times as well.
Sudha: How is she? Is she okay? Why didn't she call us?
Vir: I'll answer all your questions Sudha. I'm telling you all this now so you're prepared before we go to the party.
Sudha: Has something happened? Does she not want to come back? Is that why she's been here?
Sudha was so happy to hear Purvi was alive but she couldn't understand why she would stay away from her own family. She should have at least let them know that she was okay.
Vir: The truth is Bawri is no longer called Purvi. She goes by the name Dhwani now. She's also Daksh Singh Shekhawat's fiancee.
Both Veer and Sudha were stunned.
Vir: The reason why she didn't come back or goes by a new name is because she doesn't remember anything of her past. She had an accident 6 months ago. This must have happened after she left the haveli. Anyways, she's lost her memory and now she has a new name and identity.
Sudha: I don't know how to react. Do I be happy to know that she's alive or sad that she doesn't remember any of us. Why don't you tell her the truth?
Vir: I've met her a few times and become friends with her but I know she won't come back with us.(Vir remembered the previous days conversation)That's why I haven't told her the truth yet.
Sudha: So will she be at the party tonight?
Vir: Yes. When you see her, please don't react. I'll introduce her to you. I wanted you here Sudha because you're her childhood friend. I'm hoping you may be able to help jog her memory as you've know her the longest.
Sudha: I'll do whatever you need Mukhiji.
Vir: Thank you Sudha. Now both of you, let's get something to eat and then we can start getting ready for the party.
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Dhwani's apartment
It was the day of Daksh' business party. It was being hosted at a grand hotel in the evening. Dhwani got ready in an elegant black sari for the event. Truth be told, she wasn't interested in a boring business party but as Daksh' fiance, she was required to make an appearance. She was hoping she could show her face for an hour and then make her way home. The only good thing about this party was that Mukhiji would be there. She couldn't deny it, she was excited at the thought of meeting him. Of meeting her friend. He was a good man and he was caring towards her. The way he was concerned for her after she was upset only showed that. His wife was a lucky woman, for having had such a caring husband. Not that she wasn't lucky, Daksh was also a great man. After all, he had been taking care of her for 6 months. For which she was grateful but she was still unsure if she could ever love him as more than a friend.
Dhwani made her way to Daksh' house. She was going to go to the party with him. As Daksh said, people should get used to seeing them together. Daksh was still getting ready. He takes longer than a woman to get ready. So Dhwani went to see Chandni Di who was also getting ready.
Chandni: I'm so excited for this party.
Dhwani: Why? It's just a boring business party. I wish I didn't have to go.
Chandni: Yes the party will be boring but my Chand will be there. I need to see him.
Thinking of Chand or Mukhiji made Dhwani smile which Chandni noticed.
Chandni: Hey! Don't be thinking of trying to take my Chand away.
Dhwani: No I'm just smiling at the way you call him Chand.
Chandni: I don't know where he's been all my life. He's so handsome and I love the way he dresses. He looks like a groom in the pagdi.
Dhwani: Yes, it's very distinguished.
Chandni: And handsome too.
Dhwani: Yes, you said that already.
Dhwani remembered Mukhiji and the way he cared for her yesterday. Yes, he is a handsome man and he had a very attractive personality. Remembering how Mukhiji spoke about his wife and the way they fell in love, made Dhwani ask a question to Chandni.
Dhwani: Di, can I ask you a personal question?
Chandni: Yes, go on.
Dhwani: Have you ever been in love?
Chandni: Ermm...To be honest, no.
Dhwani: What do you feel for Mukhiji then?
Chandni: I'm definitely attracted to him. I can see myself falling in love with him.
Dhwani: How do you know that?
Chandni: Because when I see him, automatically a song starts playing in my head. You've seen the film Main Hoon Na? It's like that.
Dhwani: That only happens in films.
Chandni: No honestly, I start imagining him in a wedding sherwani and a song plays. The first time he held me, my hands started tingling.
Dhwani: That's so funny.
Hearing Chandni Di's answer made Dhwani question her own relationship with Daksh. She didn't feel anything. True, they could fall in love after marriage as Mukhiji and his wife did. However Mukhiji did say that, him and his wife didn't like each other but there was a spark between them. Again, there was nothing of the like between Daksh and her.
Chandni: You're worried about your relationship with Daksh aren't you?
Dhwani: I'm worried I won't love him or be enough for him.
Chandni: I know Daksh and he loves you very much. He'll wait for you.
Dhwani: What if I never develop these kind of feelings for him? I'm a bit worried.
Chandni: About what?
Dhwani: That he might not be the one for me and me for him.
Chandni: What makes you say that?
Dhwani: It's just, I don't feel an attraction to him at all. I don't get butterflies in my stomach when I see him.
Chandni: Look, not every relationship is the same. Not everyone gets butterflies or a song playing. Every relationship is unique. You'll learn to be the perfect wife for Daksh and he'll be the perfect husband for you.
Chandni's comments did not reassure Dhwani at all. In fact it made her think even further. Dhwani felt there was no chemistry between her and Daksh. There was no sexual attraction, definitely not on her end at least. There was no song or dance, there was just nothing. Dhwani started wondering if she was making a mistake. What if Daksh is not the one?
Dhwani thought about the way Chandni Di spoke about Mukhiji and how she feels when she sees him. Speaking of Mukhiji, she remembered how she met him the first time and the times after. She still couldn't forget the feel of Mukhiji's hand on hers. Nor the feel of being in his arms. Chandi Di said her hands tingled when he touched her. Dhwani had that same feeling. What did that mean? Did she have feelings for Mukhiji? No, that couldn't be possible. He was old enough to be her father and definitely not someone she would fall for. That was just Chandni Di's thoughts being relayed to her, making her think like Chandni Di.
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Party hotel
Dhwani, Daksh and Chandni arrived at the hotel for the party. Dhwani had her hand twirled around Daksh' arm. There were only a handful of people at the venue but Dhwani insisted on getting there early as they were the hosts. Daksh believed in being fashionably late so all eyes would be on him and his beautiful fiancee but Dhwani didn't like the thought of so many people looking at her. She was a bit shy and didn't like being the centre of attention no matter how much Daksh insisted. Dhwani immediately took her hands out of Daksh' arm and started instructing the waiters on how/where to serve and started conversing with the guests to let her know if they needed anything. Daksh just smiled gazing at her. She seemed to be in her element.
As Dhwani was roaming around the hall, checking on everyone, making conversation here and there. Mukhiji arrived. He was dressed in a white kurta, matching white vest and also a white pagdi. He looks good in white. Dhwani watched him as he walked in, not paying any attention to anyone else.
As Mukhiji walked in, it wasn't just Dhwani's eyes on him, there were a few woman standing near her who seemed to be eyeing him as well. They were making comments about Mukhiji and how handsome he looked. How he stood out because everyone else was in the same old boring suits. How could anyone not notice him? The more these people were making comments, the more angry Dhwani was getting. How dare they eye him like a piece of meat? Is that all they see, looks. If only they knew how nice he is on the inside, like I do. Actually it was better, only she knew how he was because she was his friend.
The women's comments were getting too much. Dhwani started getting a headache again and she started feeling like she had heard it all before. She managed to gain her composure and she couldn't stand the ladies comments anymore, so she walked away.
She then bumped into Chandni Di and she also started her comments on Mukhiji. Dhwani was so frustrated she just told Chandni Di to go talk about Mukhiji with those other women. She pointed Chandni towards them. After all they are all on one team. Chandni didn't know what got Dhwani so angry but she ignored it and continued staring at her Chand.
Dhwani went and sat down on a chair and drank some juice, muttering away at herself. That's when Daksh found her.
Daksh: What's got you so angry?
Dhwani: Nothing.
Daksh: Why do you look angry then?
Dhwani: Aarggghh! Why are some women so rude?
Daksh: What's happened?
Dhwani: Those ladies over there(she pointed them out) acting like they've never seen a handsome man before. Most of them are probably married but that doesn't stop them eyeing a man, like he's a piece of meat.
Daksh: Ohhhh. Is that it. You're jealous because they're eyeing me. Get used to it darling, this is normal for a handsome man like me.
Dhwani: No, not you. Mukhiji.
Daksh' face fell.
Daksh: So all this jealousy is not for me but for Mukhiji.
Dhwani: No. Ermmm. I just mean that he's a guest here and they're just going to make him feel unwelcome and uneasy.
Daksh: Dhwani, if I didn't know you any better, I would think that you are jealous.
Dhwani: Of course not! I've told you before, he's old enough to be my father. I see him as a friend and I don't like anyone making him uncomfortable.
Daksh: Could Mukhiji hear the ladies?
Dhwani: No.
Daksh: Then what's the problem? What he doesn't hear, doesn't hurt him. Chandni Di makes comments like that all the time. You don't react like this then.
Dhwani: I know but...
Daksh: But nothing. I know he's your friend but you need to take things lightly sometimes. Anyways, forget it. Since Mukhiji is here, let's go say hello.
Dhwani didn't know what happened to her. Why should anyone else speaking about Mukhiji affect her so? He was just her friend. All she knew is she didn't like the way they spoke about him.
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Vir, Veer and Sudha entered the party. As they entered, Sudha's eyes were everywhere just trying to catch a glimpse of her friend, her Purvi. That's when she saw her. She was sitting on a sofa and some man was speaking to her. Nothing could be heard but Purvi didn't look too happy. Sudha's happiness knew no bounds when she saw Purvi, alive. She felt like running to her and hugging her. Asking her why she left but she remembered what Mukhiji had said. She needed to stay calm and not give away the fact that she knew Purvi from before.
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Dhwani followed Daksh and caught up to him. They both welcomed Mukhiji and they noticed two other people with him. Mukhiji introduced them as his son, Veer and daughter-in-law, Sudha. He has a son around the same age as me? Dhwani was surprised but she should have expected it, he is old enough. She saw Veer, he was a handsome man. Not as handsome as Mukhiji. Veer had a friendly look about him, unlike Mukhiji who sometimes looked like he could kill someone. She then looked at his daughter-in-law, Sudha. Seeing Sudha, Dhwani felt like she had seen her before but knew that wasn't possible.
Dhwani introduced herself to Veer and Sudha. She said hello to Mukhiji and smiled at him. She then took Sudha away whilst Veer and his father were left speaking with Daksh.
As they walked, Sudha kept looking at Dhwani but moved her eyes everytime Dhwani looked at her. Dhwani introduced Chandni Di to Sudha and whispered to her that she has a crush on her father-in-law. Sudha laughed at that. They both started conversing with another and getting to know one better. Sudha asked if Dhwani could be her friend as she hardly had any friends. Sudha explained that she had one close friend, Purvi but she lost her 6 months ago. Dhwani asked if it was Mukhiji's wife and Sudha confirmed that it was.
Dhwani: I'm so sorry for your loss.
Sudha: No. It's okay. Meeting you, I feel like I've found her again.
Dhwani smiled hearing that. That's when the DJ started anouncing for couples to get on the dance floor. Daksh soon arrived to whisk her away. Veer also arrived to come and take Sudha for a dance. Sudha was surprised, she didn't expect Veer to make any such gesture but she was happy that he did. Maybe Kanhaji was listening to her prayers.
Vir stood, watched and inwardly seethed as Daksh took Dhwani onto the dance floor. Daksh kept touching her arms and her waist. Vir kept clenching his fist. He moved away so he couldn't see the two together. It was a bad way to do a deal by punching his business partner, no matter how much he wished to.
Soon enough the couple's dances finished. This is when Vir walked up to Dhwani to ask if he could dance with her. Daksh was fine with it and so was Dhwani. As if Vir was asking for permission from Daksh.
The song Main Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga started playing. Vir extended his hands out to Dhwani and she placed her hands in his. He pulled her quickly towards him. Her hands started tingling again. Why do I feel like this every time Mukhiji holds my hand? They talked as they swayed to the music.
Vir: Are you okay? I mean after yesterday.
Dhwani: Huh? Oh that. Yes I'm fine. Thank you for caring.
Vir: No problem.
Dhwani: Can we please forget about yesterday?
Vir sensed his Bawri's mood and let it go.
Vir: Sure.
Dhwani didn't want to talk about what happened the previous day. Especially here at Daksh' party. She was an emotional mess but she shouldn't have allowed herself to fall asleep in Mukhiji's arms. It was just wrong. She was engaged to Daksh but then again, there was nothing between her and Mukhiji. Mukhiji was just being a good friend. There was nothing wrong with that. She looked up at his face to find him looking at her.
Vir: You look pretty today.
Dhwani: You're not looking bad yourself.
Vir: Thank you.
Dhwani: Do you know, when you came in, all the ladies were staring at you. They found you very handsome.
Vir: And you?
Dhwani didn't know what to say to that. Yes, she found him handsome but she wasn't going to say it to his face.
Dhwani: You don't look old enough to be Veer's father.
Vir smirked as Dhwani changed the topic.
Vir: Yes I had him when I was quite young.
Dhwani: Any other children?
Vir: Yes, Veer has a twin sister, Nandini. Then I have an 8 year old daughter called Juhi and a 5 year old son called Manas.
Dhwani: I love children soooo much. Can I meet them?
Vir: They're at a hostel in Delhi now but yes, I'll introduce you to them one day. Once I can convince you to come back to Rewari.
Dhwani: So even after you leave Delhi, you'll have to come back to visit the children.
Vir: Yes that's true but I'm not leaving Delhi anytime soon. I've rented a house here in Delhi.
Dhwani got happy hearing that.
Dhwani: How come?
Vir: Let's just say, I've found something here that I don't want to leave without. (Looking straight at Dhwani)
Dhwani struggled under the intense stare of Mukhiji. Surely he's not staying in Delhi for me?
Whilst they were dancing, Vir moved his hand from the small of her back down to her waist. They were already quite close to each other but now the feel of his hand on her waist, surprised Dhwani and she inhaled sharply. Vir noticed Bawri inhale and asked if she was okay. She replied that she was okay and that his hands were cold, hence her reaction. They continued just swaying to the music in silence. Dhwani kept her eyes down to avoid looking at Mukhiji. She felt like he could read her thoughts if she looked straight into his eyes. However when he looked away, she sneaked a few looks at him. She rarely got the chance so she took advantage. Why do I feel like this when I'm near you?
As the song finished, Dhwani let go of his hand and they both walked away from the dance floor. Dhwani felt a bit overwhelmed by the dance and being in such close proximity with Mukhiji. She needed to get away from him for a while to compose herself.
Dhwani walked away from Vir in a hurry, saying she needed to go to the bathroom. He smirked as he realised she was affected by his proximity and touch. The way things were going, it wouldn't take so long to win Bawri over.
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Bathroom
Dhwani went and splashed her face with water. She needed to get back to the party but first she needed a break. She looked at herself in the mirror. What's happening to me? Why does Mukhiji's touch affect me so? It was only a dance but Dhwani couldn't understand how she felt. She was confused. I can't have feelings for Mukhiji. He's old enough to be my father! No, he's just a friend. A nice, handsome friend who I care for. It's just an attraction that will go away by itself. Dhwani made herself understand that attraction just happens but that doesn't mean she acts on it. Mukhiji and her could never happen. She could never hurt Daksh like that. Which meant that she needed to keep herself at a distance from Mukhiji.
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