Love- Will destiny bring them closer *Chapter 3 updated* 27.11

Two love stories.

Two pairs of lovers.

Four souls.

Circumstances had drifted them apart but will destiny bring them closer. Will their love stories will be completed this time. Or once again they will be separated forever.

A love story which remained incomplete even after being complete.

A couple who loved each other beyond limits, fought every challenge thrown at them together but still circumstances drifted them apart. They lost each other to fate. They were separated for years. Will their destiny be able to bring them closer or they will be separated forever once again?

A love story which remained incomplete even before starting.

A couple who loved each other beyond limits. A couple who was each others everything. Still fate separated them. Circumstances made a wall between them so strong that even their love stood helpless. But what was destiny's decision. Will it bring them closer, break the wall between them and unite them or they will be separated for ever.

Destiny asked a question to foul souls.

What is love?

A woman answered: Love is wait

A man answered: Love is pain

A girl answered: Love is sacrifice

A man answered: Love is nonexistent.

So what will be destiny's decision in their lives? Will their love stories will be fulfilled? Stay tuned.

Chapter 2 . Scroll down

Chapter 3. Page 2

The first ray of sun entered the room through the windows. A middle aged woman got up from her queen sized bed. After praying to the god, she looked at the bedside table. Taking the photo frame kept in the drawer, she looked at the photo of the man in it. Placing a soft kiss on the photo, she kept it back.

After getting ready, she went downstairs. First she made the house temple ready for morning arti. After that she went to kitchen to make beverages and breakfast. After sometime she was joined by two other women. One was middle aged like, another was a young woman in late twenties.

The middle woman turned to the young woman and said, "Kavya, I have made coffee and tea. You make the dough for Roti."

Kavya looked at the woman and said with a small smile, "OK Aastha Chachi."

Turning to the other woman, Kavya said, "Aai, You make the curry. By the time, I will make the Roti."

After sometime, Aastha came out of the kitchen taking tea and coffee for all. First she went to her father in law Niranjan's room. After giving his tea and giving his medicines, Aastha went to Varad and Sojal's room. She gave his tea to Varad, then she went to Shantanu and Kavya's room.

Shantanu was getting ready for office. Seeing her, he smiled. Taking the coffee from the tray, he placed it on the small tes table. Then he said, " Aastha Ma, why did you bring the coffee. I was coming downstairs na. Why are you straining yourself. "

Aastha smiled and patted his head lovingly. Then she went to Mishti and her husband's room. Like that she gave the beverages to Mishti's in laws also. Then she came to Vinayak's room (Niranjan's younger brother).

Finally after giving tea and coffee to everyone, Aastha reached the last room. Opening the door, she entered. She sighed looking at the figure sleeping on the bed. Keeping the tray and the last cup of tea on the bedside table, Aastha sat at the corner of the bed. She gently removed the blanket covering the face of the person sleeping.

The face of a young girl came into view. She wined at the disturbance. Gently shaking her, Aastha called her in soft voice, "Shreya, Beta wake up. Today's your interview right. Get up Beta. Otherwise you'll be late."

Hearing interview she sprang up from the bed. Looking at the clock, her eyes widened. Throwing her blanket, she stood up, "Oh no, it is already 8 o'clock. I am dead today. I have interview at ten."

Aastha shook her head at Shreya. Getting up from the bed she said, "Beta, relax. It is only eight. You have enough time to get ready."

Shreya: But Mom.

Aastha: Shreya... I told you na there is enough time. Now relax. Don't panic. Go and get ready.

After pushing Shreya towards the washroom, Aastha exited the room. She came back to kitchen.

Seeing her entering the kitchen, Kavya asked, "So you gave tea and coffee to everyone."

Aastha looked at her and then looking away, she away, she said, "Yes. I gave tea and coffee to everyone except... except... him."

Kavya knew who this him was. She looked at her mother with worried expression. Taking a deep breath, Kavya took a cup of tea in a tray and went out. Reaching her destination, she gently knocked the door. After getting permission she entered the room.

A middle aged man stood facing his back to Kavya.

Kavya: Papaji, Tea.

Indrajit Sarkar looked back at his daughter in law. He gave a small smile to her.

Indrajit: Keep it. Is Shantanu ready.

Kavya: Yes, Papaji. Shaan is ready. He is downstairs.

Indrajit: OK.

Kavya came back down. She saw everyone gathered at the temple for morning arti. Keeping the tray at the dining table, she too joined them.

****************

After getting ready, everyone came downstairs for breakfast. Niranjan Agnihotri sat in the middle as the head of the family. Others sat at their respective places. The breakfast was a silent affair. In the middle of the breakfast, Shreya came running to the table. Sitting beside Indrajit, she started having her breakfast.

Indrajit(looking at Shreya): So today is your interview right.

Shreya (smiling at him): Yes Papa.

Indrajit: All the best.

Shreya: Thank you Papa.

Soon everyone wished her. After finishing breakfast, Shreya came to Aastha. Aastha fed her sugar and curd ( I don't know the actual translation, its dahi- Shakkar).

Aastha: All the best.

Shreya: Thank you Mom.

Shreya went to her interview. Aastha sighed looking at her departing figure. Soon getting ready, Aastha also went to her NGO, Anjali Sadhan.

***************

After a hectic day at work, Aastha came back home. As soon as she entered, Shreya came running and happily hugged her. Coming out of the hug, Shreya started spinning Aastha along with her. Stopping after sometime, both started breathing heavily.

Aastha: Now tell me what happened. Why are you so happy.

Shreya: Guess what

Aastha: What?

Shreya (wining): Mumma... OK. You know what I got the job. Now I am the executive fashion designer of Angel Fashion House.

Aastha: Wow. Congratulations.

Aastha hugged Shreya.

Shreya: Thank you.

With that both went to celebrate.

***************

At night. Aastha was sitting in her bed with a diary in her hand.

"...Do you know Shlok what happened Today. Today Shreya got job. She was so happy."

Aastha kept the diary after writing her day's events in the diary.

Taking the photo from the bedside drawer, Aastha looked at it.

Aastha: Where are you Shlok. It had been 20 years since you left. I can't take it anymore Shlok. Please come back. I miss you, Shlok. I miss you. Please come back.

Crying, she placed a soft kiss on the photo. Keeping the photo close to her heart, she silently cried.

***************

----------------------

***************

Hours later. In another part of the world. A young 20 year old girl got up from her bed in her apartment. Her name was Khushi. But unlike her name, there was no happiness in her face. Her face looked pale, sick. There was no brightness in her face. There were dark circles under her eyes. Her eyes were baggy clearly indicating her sleepless nights.

Getting up, she quickly got ready. Coming down she saw her friends at the dining table. A man was having breakfast while reading newspaper while Muskaan was serving the dishes in plates. After serving she too sat down to have breakfast. Khushi joined them silently. Taking her seat beside Muskaan, she started having breakfast silently.

Muskaan and Aman exchanged worried glances at each other.

Aman(looking at Khushi): Choti, You know what this Muskaan did last night. She put shower gel on my towel. Today morning, when I was wiping my body with towel, all the shower gel started making foam and then I had to bath once again.

Muskaan: No Anu. Don't believe him. He is telling lies. I didn't do anything like that. In fact he had added powder in my cream. When I asked him, he said that it happened accidentally. Now you only say how it will happen accidentally. I am telling you Anu, this man did it on purpose. He did it on purpose to trouble me.

Aman: No choti. You don't believe her. She is telling lies. In fact I think she did it herself on her foolishness.

Muskaan: What did you say I am fool. You. How dare you. See this Anu. What he is saying, he is calling me a fool. Me. Your best friend a fool, Anu.Why are you not saying anything. Tell him something. Give him some nice scolding.

Aman: Scolding, Na. She would never scold me. She is my sister. She would never scold me. In fact she will take my side.

Muskaan: She will take your side. Ha. Dream on Mr Mathur. She will never take your side. She will take my side.

Aman: Now I think you are dreaming. She and going to take you side. Na. It will never happen. I am her brother and she will take my side.

Muskaan: Oh hello. Don't you think you are dreaming too much. She is just your namesake sister (Much boli Behan). But I am her best friend. So obviously she will take my side.

Aman: What did you say namesake brother. Every year she ties Rakhi to me. I am her brother. So just shut up.

Like that they continued arguing. But Khushi sat eating her breakfast without giving any reaction. It was as if there was no emotion left in her. She was completely numb. After finishing her breakfast, she stood.

Khushi: I will be in the car parking. We have to leave for the office early today. Singapore Clients are coming to finalize the deal.

Saying that she went out without listening anything. Aman and Muskaan looked at each other. Both their eyes welled up seeing the plight of their loved one. Muskaan started crying hugging her husband.

Muskaan: Why Aman. Why all this is happening. Why her. Why she had to endure all these. Did you see her Aman. How she had become. It was as if there is no life left in her. I can't see her like this Aman. Make her fine Aman. Bring back my Anu. I want my Anu back Aman. I want my Anu back.

Aman also could do anything except to console his wife crying her heart out for his innocent sister. His eyes were also not dry. After composing themselves both went out.

They saw Khushi standing near the car looking at her mobile. Both silently came near. After getting in the car, they drove off to office.

***************

After dinner, Khushi came into her room. Taking the small album kept in the cupboard. She started going through it. It was her daily routine from sometime. Sleep deprived her. She didn't had any tears left to cry. She lost everything. She lost everyone. Now only memories left. Sweet memories. She wished she could go back in time and stay there itself.

Reaching one particular photo, her eyes stung with tears once again. Tears started running down her pale cheeks. Closing the album, she kept it close to her heart. She didn't knew when she started crying her heart out.

In another room a couple silently cried feeling the pain of the innocent soul. They knew that if they went to her. She wouldn't show her pain to them but instead would bottle up inside her. They were helpless. Rather than silently crying for her, they couldn't do anything.

***************

----------------------

***************

Two men sat in the business class seat of the flight from London to Mumbai. One was in his middle age, Shlok and another one was young, Arnav. They were discussing about business. But the atmosphere around them was thick. There was an unsaid distance between them.

Shlok looked at the young man beside him. Arnav. Arnav Singh Raizada. The son of his best friend cum business partner Arjun's son. He had know him from 20 years. But never had been the atmosphere around them so thick. He knew the reason behind the distance but couldn't do anything about it. He felt himself sighing. The atmosphere felt suffocating all of a sudden. Loosening the collar buttons of his Armani suit, he looked away.

Arnav also couldn't help but feel the tension between them. He had known Shlok from his childhood. He was a person whom he loved and respected close to his parents. They always had a good Rapport between them. Always free with each other. He was one of the person whom he admired and looked upon as a role model. But now he is feeling awkward with the same man. The relation between them had reached such a point that it had nothing left but a taste of bitterness. It wasn't their fault but the circumstances had played such a game that they couldn't help but feel the bitterness in the relationship.

OK I wanted to say a few things about this story.

First of all this story is a continuation of Iss pyaar ko kya naam doon ek baar phir. So the characters will be same as in the show. There will be more characters who will be introduced later. The story will start after 20 years after the show ended. Well there will little bit of change with the last one month story of the show in this story. I will give what happened in the upcoming chapters.

In my story Ashlok will be middle aged and Arshi will be of the age of their kids. I always felt that the plot of Iss pyaar ko kya naam doon ek baar phir is too old fashioned. No offense. It is just that I felt Arshi more modern than Ashlok. So in my story Ashlok will be old and Arshi will be young.

This story will have some similarities with my previous story. First I thought to start it as the Season 2 of that story. But then I thought to start it as a new story because the plot and the characters are entirely different even though some names and relations are same.

Since it is a continuation of the serial, if anybody want I will give a brief story of the show. If you want please tell.

The story is about the love and hate relationship between Shlok Agnihotri and Astha Shlok Agnihotri. Story also focuses on the journey of Shlok from being rude man to a loving and caring son and a husband. If Shlok is a hot beam of the sun rays then Astha is a gentle moonlight that glimmers. If Shlok is an espresso, then our Astha is a creamy cup of latte. If Shlok is a gusty wind, then Astha is a breath of fresh air. Their very nature is completely the opposite of each other. The statement "Ek raat, ek roshini" describes them well. Shlok has an extremely strong personality. He prefers the company of himself. Just like his emotions, he likes only dark colours, be it in his outfits, his room or any aspect of his life. He does not let in people into his life easily and thinks women are not at par with men. Astha on the other hand is a happy soul, she enjoys the company of her loved ones. Her life is filled with colour. She values relationships unlike Shlok.

The story starts with Aastha and Shlok meeting in an event where Aastha acquires the tickets due to a misunderstanding. Then a face off between Aastha and Shlok happens when Shlok misbehaves with Aastha. After that Shlok's family is introduced. Shlok's father Niranjan Agnihotri is a very big businessman having various Educational institutions. Shlok's mother Anjali Agnihotri is a housewife who is a strict follower of traditions. Shlok had an elder brother Varad who works in a media company. Varad's wife is Sojal who comes from a middle class family and always obeys whatever her mother in law says. They have a small daughter Kavya. Niranjan has an unmarried brother Vinayak. Shlok also has an elder sister Jyothi. She is married to Abhay.

Aastha's family consist of her father, Avdoot Kirloskar, mother Kalindi Kirloskar and grandmother (Avdoot's mother) who Aastha calls Ajju. They are a sweet, happy, small, modern family. They belive that women and men are equal and give Astha the best education possible.

On the other hand there is the Agnihotri family. The family is far more complicated. They are rich and very traditional. They run an institution which opens new schools and colleges. They belive that women are inferior to men. In that family it is like the women are the slaves of the men. Especially Anjali holds this view strongly.

Niranjan is a more twisted character. Sometimes he does and says really nice and good things, but he has a dark side too.

For Shlok his dad is like a god and his mom like the devil. Shlok hates his mom so much because he says it is her fault that one year ago his gf Swati left him. Because of this he left the house 1 year ago, but now he is back.

We then see Shlok and Aastha meeting in various occasions and misunderstandings increase between them. It reach to such a level that once Shlok gets publicly humiliated because of Aastha. After that Aastha comes to work in Shlok's event management company. He gives her the work of organizing a party on the occasion of 35th anniversary of Agnihotri institute. Aastha and Shlok start working together. During that time, they come closer.

During the Jubilee celebration, Shlok announces that he is going to get married to Aastha to his parents and the guests present at the party. After that Agnihotris take Shlok's proposal to Kirloskars for which they agree as Aastha had fallen in love with Shlok. Then we see their marriage functions going on during which they spend many romantic moments.

After lots of drama, Aastha and Shlok get married. On their Suhagraat, Shlok reveals that he doesn't love Aastha instead got married to her for taking revenge. He mentally and physically abuses her. He also blackmails her to keep her mouth shut in front of family by showing a illegal file in which Avdoot has signed unknowingly which could put him in jail.

Aastha tolerates Shlok's all abuses for her father. Meanwhile we see that Niranjan is also an abusive husband who beats and whips his wife Anjali for every small mistakes. In fact we see that Niranjan is actually a person who thinks women are below men and they should be treated like that. He follows traditions blindly and wants his family to do so. Thus he uses Anjali as a pawn and make her do all that what he wants to happen in his family. We also see that it was in fact Niranjan who had separated Shlok and his gf Swathi. Anjali was just like a puppet in his hands.

On a parallel track we see Shlok's sister Jyothi's story. She is an abusive relationship with her husband, Abhay. Abhay is also like Niranjan who beats and whips his wife for anything and everything. His aunt also supports him. Both Abhay and His Aunt is shown to be greedy people. They often asks Jyothi to get money and jewelry from her maternal house. We also see that Abhay had forced Jyothi for abortion for two times just because she was carrying girl baby.

Then we see that Shlok takes Aastha for honeymoon but both of them get stuck in a jungle as the breaks down. There they share some romantic moments and come closer. Shlok also saves Aastha's life. Aastha is shown coming closer to Shlok. But while they were coming back, Aastha notices a news which states that her father was arrested by police due to the file. Aastha suspects that Shlok had done it but Shlok will be innocent. After coming back, Aastha will break all ties with Shlok and return back to her house.

Then we see Shlok trying to bring her back. Finally both of them will file for divorce. But during the hearing, Shlok will say that he wish to stay with his wife. So the court will ask them to stay with each other for six months. Aastha will come back in Agnihotri Mansion. Then one of Niranjan's friend comes with his daughter, Aditi. Aditi will start living with Agnihotris. Shlok will be close to Aditi but Aastha will start doubting Aditi.

Then we see that actually Aditi is trying to kill Aastha. Meanwhile Shlok and Aastha's divorce case hearing will happen in which Aastha will refuse to give divorce to Shlok. She will plan various ways to harm Aastha from which Shlok will save. After some hits and misses, finally it will be revealed that Aditi is actually Swati's sister, Gayathri. Finally Gayathri will kidnap Aastha and try to kill her. But Shlok will reach there and save her. Then Gayathri will take Shlok and Aastha to Swathi who was in a serious condition after an accident.

Aastha will tell Shlok to take Swati to Agnihotri Mansion but before that Swati will die. Aditi will be sent to mental asylum for treatment. In a parallel track we will see that Jyothi is pregnant for the third with a girl child. Her in laws will take her for sex determination but Jyothi will manage to bribe the doctor by giving her jeweleries. Her husband andin laws will be happy knowing that she is carrying boy. But her lie won't last long and Jyothi will be caught. Abhay will brutally beat her and lock her in store room. But Jyothi will manage to escape from there. While escaping, Jyothi will be chased by some rowdies but a young man named Sidharth Lokhande will save her. He will take her to his house.

Later he will find out that Jyothi is pregnant and he will start taking care of her. After few days, Sidharth will take her to his aunt's house but the aunt will turn out to be Aastha's mother Kalindi. Kalindi on knowing the whole truth will keep Jyothi at her house and will start taking care of her.

On the other side we see that after Swati's death, Aastha will bring Shlok back to his old happy go lucky nature. Both will confess their love and consummate their marriage. Both will start living a happy life. After that Aastha will find out Niranjan's truth. She will confront Anjali about it but the latter will refuse everything. But Aastha will know everything from Vinayak and both will start planning to get Anjali out of Niranjan's abusive clutches. They will persuade Anjali to live life freely but Anjali in fear of Niranjan will remain submissive.

Then Abhay will come to Agnihotri mansion and start asking for Jyothi. Agnihotris will be shocked to know that Jyothi is not in her sasural. They will start searching for Jyothi. Then Kalindi will tell Aastha about Jyothi being at her house. After so many drama, finally Abhay's truth will be revealed before the family.Jyothi will come back in Agnihotri house.

Shlok and Varad will put Abhay in jail. But Niranjan would want Abhay to come out and Jyothi to go back to Abhay's house. He will ask Anjali to take Jyothi's signature to take Abhay's case back. Anjali will manage to take Jyothi's signature but Jyothi will find out about her mother's betrayal and will go into a premature delivery. Shlok will blame Anjali for Jyothi's condition and will cut all ties with her.

Jyothi will give birth to a baby girl. But Jyothi and Shlok will continue to hate Anjali. During naming ceremony, Aastha will trick everyone to name the baby girl Anaya the name which Anjali had selected for the baby. Abhay will come back and kidnap Anaya but Shlok will save her. Abhay will be sent to jail and Jyothi will be divorced. Meanwhile Sidharth and Jyothi will start loving each other. Aastha will find out about it and support them. When Shlok will find he will be angry first but will later agree. After lots of problems from both families, Aastha will manage to get Sidharth and Jyothi. Sidharth's mother won't be much happy with the marriage but will agree for Sidharth.

Then the story will focus on Niranjan and Anjali. Niranjan will find out about Aastha knowing his truth and will openly challenge her. Aastha will try to tell Shlok the truth but he will refuse to believe her. After so many hits and misses and fights, finally Aastha will be able to expose Niranjan.

Feeling betrayed by his father, Shlok will leave house with Aastha and Anjali. Varad and Jyothi will also know Niranjan's truth. Shlok and Aastha would then shift to Mumbai where they will start a small Daba business. Varad will cheat Niranjan and will transfer all property on his name. He will throw Niranjan out of the house. Niranjan will finally reach Mumbai and will apologize to Shlok and Anjali. Both will forgive him.

On the other hand Varad will be cheated by Indrajit Sarkar and will be thrown out of house. Shlok, Aastha, Niranjan and Anjali will come back to pine. Varad will apologize to them. Then they will start planning to get their property back.

Meanwhile a new family is introduced- Sarkars. Indrajit Sarkar is the head of the family. But he will be controlled by Taku Ma or Ahalya Vinas. Indrajit is widower. He has two children with his late wife, Barkha- Shantanu and Mishti. Indrajit has a sister Poornima. Then there is Taku Ma's daughter Kavita Vinas. Also there is Pradeep Vinas and Rashmi Vinas (Sarkar's relatives).

Aastha and Shlok will enter Agnihotri mansion in disguise. Aastha will take up Indrajit's PA's job and will change her name to Sapna. Shlok will enter as kids' caretaker and will change his name to Balvinder or Ballu. They will try to find the property papers of Agnihotris. Meanwhile Indrajit will fall in love with Aastha (Sapna) and Poornima will fall in love with Shlok (Ballu).

Finally Aastha and Shlok will manage to find the property papers and get their property back. But another shocking truth will be revealed. Sarkars had done all this for revenge. Actually before marrying Anjali, Niranjan was already married to Kavita. This truth will shock Anjali. She will be know that the relation which she had been living for 35 years was a lie. She will leave house. Shlok and Aastha will go behind her to console her but all three of them will get into an accident.

6 months later

Anjali had died in that accident, Shlok had slipped into coma and Aastha was missing. Shlok will come out of coma and will be shattered to know about his mother and wife. Kirloskars had started hating Agnihotris. Kalindi will start believing that Shlok is not right for Aastha. But Shlok will promise her that he will find Aastha.

Later when Agnihotris go to Mumbai, they will find Aastha there but Aastha won't recognize them. It is revealed that Aastha had lost her memory in the accident. Indrajit had found her and took her with him. He had made her believe that Aastha is his wife Barkha and Shantanu and Mishti are their children. On knowing the truth Agnihotris will be shocked.

Shlok will then start planning to bring Aastha's memory back. He will try to make her see truth but Aastha will refuse to believe him. He will try to recreate the incidents that happened between them like their first meet, fights, honeymoon incidents etc. But Aastha won't remember anything. He will also take help from his psychiatrist friend but no positive results will happen.

When Kalindi will find out about Aastha, she will start supporting Indrajit as she thinks that Shlok is wrong for Aastha, Shlok had only brought pain for Aastha. Indrajit will also convince her by showing that Aastha is happy with him and children. But Shlok won't sit back. He will continue to make Aastha see truth.

Finally Indrajit will announce his marriage with Aastha but Shlok will challenge him that he won't let the marriage happen. But with Shlok's efforts, finally Kalindi will realize her folly and will support Shlok. Aastha will also realize the truth. Even though she doesn't gets her memory back she will accept Shlok. On the end, Indrajit will be arrested by police ,Aastha and Shlok will get married. They will also take Shantanu and Mishti's responsibility.

Character Sketch

Agnihotri family

Niranjan Agnihotri (Shlok's father)

Anjali Agnihotri (Shlok's mother) [In my story dead]

Varad Agnihotri (Shlok's brother)

Sojal Agnihotri (Varad's wife)

Kavya Agnihotri (Varad and Sojal's daughter)

Vinayak Agnihotri (Niranjan's brother)

Kirloskar family

Avdoot Kirloskar (Aastha's father)

Kalindi Kirloskar (Aastha's mother)

Ajju (Aastha's grandmother)

Ankush Prabhakar Joshi (Aastha's step brother- Kalindi's son from first marriage)

Mala Ankush Joshi (Ankush's wife)

Sarkars

Indrajit Sarkar

Taku Ma or Ahalya Vinas

Barkha Sarkar (Indrajit's wife- dead)

Shantanu Sarkar (Indrajit's son)

Mishti Sarkar (Indrajit's daughter)

Poornima Sarkar (Indrajit's sister)

Kavita Vinas/ Agnihotri (Taku Ma's daughter)

Pradeep Vinas (Indrajit's Mama)

Rashmi Vinas (Indrajit's Mami)

Lokandes

Sidharth Lokhande (Jyothi's husband)

Jyothi Lokhande (Shlok's sister)

Anaya Lokhande (Sidharth and Jyothi's daughter - Jyothi's daughter with her first husband Abhay)

Babu (Sidharth and Jyothi's son) [In my story Tarun Lokhande]

Renuka Lokhande (Sidharth's mother)

Riya (Sidharth's sister)

Sidharth's father

Other characters in the serial (These characters won't be a part of story)

Nana (Anjali's father)

Nani (Anjali's mother)

Abhay Deshmukh (Jyothi's first husband)

Sulbha Deshmukh (Abhay's aunt)

Mansi (Varad's girlfriend)

Jaya (Sojal's mother)

Swati (Shlok's ex girlfriend)

Aditi / Gayathri (Swati's sister)

Suresh (Shlok's PA)

Kalpana (Aastha and Shlok's neighbor in Mumbai)

Shlok and Arnav came out of Mumbai Airport after the security check. Shlok looked at the city in front of him with a nostalgic feeling. He is stepping into this city after 20 years. Yes after 20 years. Before 20 years he had left this country forever after loosing his most prized possession. This city had given him a lot of things but more than that it had snatched a lot of things from him. He sighed. He didn't want to think about the past.

He looked sideways. Arnav was looking at the city with an unreadable expression. For Arnav, this city was new. He was stepping into this country for the first time. When his parents left this country, he was a small kid. He didn't had much memory of this country. All he knew about this country was the stories he had heard from his family. He for the first time was coming here after his parents left this country.

Taking a deep breath, both the men sat in the car which had come to pick them from Airport. They went to the hotel which was booked for them. Next two three days passed in finalizing the deal in which both their companies are investing. It was their first collaboration in this country.

For Arnav, it was the first time he was doing a project in India. Even though he had a successful fashion house with branches in many countries, it was the first time he was setting up a fashion house in India. He had never worked in the Indian market earlier. He is going to start a new branch here and this was their launch project which he was doing with his father's company.

It was rare he does a collaboration project with his father's company (Shlok and Arnav's father is business partners). He doesn't like to mix personal life with professional life, so he usually doesn't work with his father's company to avoid problems. He believe in himself and want to achieve everything in his life with his own hard work.

It was first time Shlok was coming to this country even for business purpose. Even though their company AR industries has branch in India, he had never come here in last 20 years. Usually Arnav's father Arjun or Arjun's younger brother Manohar would come for business purposes. But this time he had come to finish some unfinished work.

After three days of continuous meetings and discussions both finalized the project. After finishing their work, they checked out of the hotel to go to their new destinations. Arnav was moving in to his family's house in the city where maintenance work was going on in the past few days. And Shlok was going to...

***************

----------------------

***************

Aastha looked at herself in the mirror. Three days had passed since Shreya got job. A lot of things happened in these three days. Her life had taken a completely new turn in these three days.

Flashback

Next day after Shreya got job, Agnihotris were invited for a business party. The whole family went for the party. The party was hosted by an old acquaintance of Agnihotris. There everybody knew them very well. Aastha also went with them due to Shreya and Kavya's insistence. The part was on full swing.

Aastha was talking with the women there. Sojal was also with her. Both of them were mingling with everyone with ease. While Aastha was speaking with Mrs. Dutta about her NGO, Mrs Halka came there. Mrs Halka was a woman with big mouth. She always liked to demean people with her words.

Mrs Halka: Hey Aastha, how are you? I am sorry, I didn't see you?

Aastha: Hello Mrs Halka. I am fine. You tell me how are you.

Mrs Halka: Oh I am very much fine. So did Shlok come back or not. Are you still waiting for him.

Aastha felt tears burning at the back of her eyes. She closed her eyes in pain. She never expected Mrs Halka to ask her about Shlok so openly. Seeing Aastha's state, Sojal immediately came to her side and wrapped a hand around her.

Mrs Halka: Look Aastha. I am saying for your own goodness. Forget him and move on in life. Who knows he must have remarried and would have been happily living with his wife and children.

Aastha's eyes shot open. She looked at Mrs Halka with blood red eyes. How could she say like this. Her Shlok would never do that. Her heart cried. But at one corner of her heart she knew that may be Mrs Halka's words are true. Her Shlok would never do that but the man who left India was hurt beyond limit. She had hurt him beyond limit. She didn't know if he would ever forgive her for the pain she caused him.

What if he had forgot her. What if he had actually moved on in life. What if he had actually remarried and had children. No. No. No. She doesn't want to think like that. Her Shlok would never do that. He would never forget her. He would come back. He would come back one day. She will wait. She will wait for his return.

While Aastha was lost in her own world.

Sojal: Mrs Halka. Thank you so much for your concern. You don't have to worry about her. We are there for her.

Mrs Halka: I was just saying for her own good only. Look Aastha, you don't hear their words. They all are selfish. They are only thinking about themselves. You are like this for past 20 years. Did they do something for you. No na. See. That's what I am telling. You don't hear their words. Just move on in life.

Sojal: Mrs Halka. You are crossing your limits. What the hell are telling her. How can you say all these to her. If you can't do any good for her, then at least don't put salt on her wounds.

Mrs Halka: Oh please Sojal. I am only saying truth. It was you people who was giving her false hope for the past 20 years.

Hearing the commotion the whole Agnihotri family came there. Somehow taking control of the situation, they left from there. Aastha was numb throughout this. She didn't want to believe what Mrs Halka said but somewhere in her heart she felt her hope diminishing.

Reaching home, everyone was disturbed with the issue. Aastha was sitting silent.

Shreya: How dare that Mrs Halka tell all those to Mom. How dare she do that to her.

Shreya (Coming to Aastha): Mom, look at me. You don't hear her words. She is just saying all that is coming in her mind.

Aastha without saying anything went to her room. The whole night she didn't sleep. Mrs Halka's words were ringing in her ears.

Next day morning

The whole Agnihotri family was having breakfast silently. Nobody was in the mood to talk anything. At that time, Kalindi ( Aastha's mother) came there. Sojal invited her for breakfast which she obliged. Aastha ignored her mother. She was not in speaking terms with her mother.

After breakfast, everyone settled in the living room.

Kalindi: I heard about yesterday's incidents at the party.

Niranjan: You know Kalindi ji. These type of incidents happen sometimes. It was not a big issue. We sorted it.

Kalindi: No Niranjan ji. It is a big issue. Whatever Mrs Halka told yesterday at the party was true. May be the way in which she said must be wrong but whatever she said was right. It had been 20 years since Shlok left. We don't know where he is. What he is doing. If he is alive or n...

Aastha (cutting her shouted): Aayi. Don't say that.

Kalindi: Look I am not saying that something had happened to Shlok. But we can't ignore the fact that he left 20 years back and 20 years is a very long time. A lot of things have happened in this things. What if in this 20 years Shlok also would have moved ahead in life. May be married somebody and moved on. And here you are waiting for him.

Niranjan: What are you trying to say, Kalindi ji.

Kalindi: I am just trying to say that it has been 20 years since Shlok left. May be we should also forget everything and move ahead. Aastha is waiting for him since 20 years but now it has been so long. I want her to move ahead and have a life of her own.

Aastha: What are you saying Aayi. How could you say like this. No this can't happen. Shlok is my husband. I can't forget him. I will wait for him till my last breath.

Kalindi: Stop it Aastha. Stop behaving like a mad. You have been waiting for him for him from last 20 years na. What happened. Did he come. If he wanted to come, then he would have come by now. But he didn't. It means he doesn't want to come back. Now you also forget everything and move on in life.

Aastha: No... No No No.

Kalindi: Why?

Aastha: I can't forget Shlok. No never.

Kalindi: Stop it Aastha. You have been waiting for him from 20 years. Now that's enough. Just forget him and move on. Look Indrajit. He loves you so much. He has been waiting for you for the past 20 years. So just forget Shlok and marry Indrajit.

Aastha: So that's matter. Indrajit. You actually think I will marry Indrajit, Aayi. Then it will happen only in your dreams. I will never do that. I will never marry Indrajit.

Kalindi: Try to understand Aastha. You have been waiting for Shlok for 20 years but what happened. He didn't come back na. Indrajit have been waiting for you for 20 years. Why cant you just forget everything and marry him.

Aastha: It will never happen, Aayi. I will never marry this man.

Shreya: Why Mom. Why can't you marry Papa. He loves you so much. Please marry him Mom. I will also get my Papa. We will live as a happy family. Please Mom.

Aastha: Stop it Shreya. You don't know anything. You don't know how cunning this man is. He is staying here for all these years to get me. But that will never happen. And stop calling him Papa. He is not your Papa.

Kalindi: Enough Aastha. I don't want to hear anything. Why don't you understand. OK. Then listen to me very carefully. If you don't marry Indrajit then you will see me dead. I will kill myself.

Everyone's eyes widened hearing her.

Aastha: What are you saying Aayi. (Turning to Niranjan) Baba, make her understand na. I can't marry this man.

Niranjan: No Aastha. May be Kalindi ji is right. You have to move on in life. You have to forget Shlok and marry Indrajit.

Aastha (shocked): Baba.

Niranjan: I am sorry, Beta. May be this is the best for your future.

Aastha (crying): No. No. I won't do that.

Aastha ran away from there crying. After lot of persuasion and blackmailing from Kalindi's side, Aastha agreed for marriage.

Everyone had different feelings for this decision. Agnihotris were helpless. Niranjan, Varad and Sojal felt bad but they couldn't do anything. They have always seen Aastha as Shlok's wife. They couldn't see her with anyone else but thinking about her future they took this decision putting stone in her heart.

Kavya felt bad too. Aastha was her chachi. She had always seen her as her favorite Shlok Chachu's wife. He couldn't see her otherwise. Shantanu and Mishti didn't know how to react. They had always seen Aastha in their mother's place and called her so Aastha ma. But they never wished her to be their Papa's wife. For them she was always their Ballu Bhayya's (Shlok) wife.

The person who was most happy with this marriage was Shreya. She will finally get Indrajit Sarkar as her father. It was her dream. She wanted to be the daughter of millionaire Indrajit Sarkar. Another person who was happy was Kalindi. Finally she succeeded in getting her daughter married to Indrajit who she believed to be the best for her.

Indrajit was happy. Finally he was getting Aastha. He had been waiting for this moment for past 20 years.

Flashback ends

Now Aastha was sitting in front of the mirror after getting ready. Today is her engagement. She is going to get married to the man she hated the most in this world. But she was helpless.

Please Shlok come back. She prayed in her heard. Will God hear her prayers. What had destiny planned for these two.

***************

----------------------

***************

London

Three days had passed. Khushi's condition was deteriorating day by day. Aman and Muskaan could do nothing except to see everything silently. They tried talking to her in these three days. Even tried to involve her in their talks but she was numb all throughout.

All she did was get up at morning, freshen up, have breakfast, go to office and work. All she talked about was related to work that too minimal. After coming back also she would just do her work, finish dinner and go to bed. No other work. They were getting worried for her.

Neha had come to Khushi's cabin to call her for lunch when she saw Khushi lying unconscious on the ground. She tried to wake her up but Khushi didn't respond. Scared Neha immediately went to call Aman and their friends. With their help, they took Khushi to the car. Neha and A man quickly drove to the nearby hospital.

On the way, Neha called Shyam and Payal and informed them about Khushi's condition. Reaching hospital, doctors immediately admitted her. After sometime Shyam and Payal also reached the hospital. All four were hell worried for their sister like soul.

They were just praying for the doctor to come out and say that Khushi is alright. Finally after some minutes, their prayers were answered. The doctor came out of Khushi's room. Seeing her they started bombarding her with questions.

Muskaan: Doctor, how is she?

Shyam: Is she alright?

Payal: There is nothing to worry right.

Aman (finally loosing his patience shouted): Say something doctor.

Doctor: Relax. There is nothing to worry. She is alright.

Shyam: If she is alright then why did she faint.

Doctor: That was because she is pregnant.

The four of them looked at each other in shock.

Payal: Pregnant. Are you sure, doctor.

Doctor: Yes. Absolutely. By the way where is her husband. I want to talk to him.

Muskaan: Voh... Voh... Her husband...

Aman: He is out of station. You tell us we will take care of her.

Muskaan looked at him in worry while Aman closed his eyes assuring her.

Doctor: OK then. Look she is very weak. Her condition is not so good to carry a baby. Moreover she is only 20. She is very young. You have to take good care of her. Otherwise she could loose her child. Also I felt that she is mentally under stress due to some issues. Whatever it is, please sort it out. It is not good for her to be under stress in this condition. It can affect her and the child.

Shyam: Don't worry. We will take care.

Payal: Can we see her doctor.

Doctor: Yes you can see her. She will get to conscious in few minutes. Then you can see her.

Muskaan: Thank you doctor.

Doctor went away. The four went inside the room. Their hearts clenched looking at the figure lying on the bed. They didn't know how much more pain that innocent soul had to endure. They prayed to the god to have mercy on her. After sometime Khushi came to consciousness.

Khushi (looking at her surroundings): Where am I?

Muskaan: You are at the hospital, Anu.

Khushi: Hospital. Why? What happened to me?

Muskaan: You fell unconscious in your cabin. So we brought you here.

Khushi: Oh. OK then let's go back to office. A lot of work is pending there.

Others looked at each other.

Khushi (frowning): Now why are you looking at each other's face.

Payal: Choti, don't you want to know why you fell unconscious.

Khushi: I am sure some low bp problem would have come. Leave it. Let's go.

Payal: No choti, there is nothing like that.

Khushi (serious): Then...

Muskaan (taking a deep breath): Anu, you are pregnant. You are going to be a mother.

Khushi looked at Muskaan's face for few minutes without any expression. After sometime, her hand slowly crept upon her lower abdomen. Feeling the life growing inside her, Khushi closed her eyes. A lone tear rolled down from the corner of her eyes. The other four immediately hugged her.

Wish you Happy birthday.

Khushi is pregnant but with whose child? And why does she need so many names?