I am re posting this Destiny CH 6&7 6/7/18 - Page 3

Chapter 6

"Aarti come please yesterday we started our cooking lessons well today you are helping me cook lunch

"But madam ji I still have to clean the bathrooms, and help Sita with the laundry

"Okay but work quickly I am waiting in the study Savatri self talk I don't want my daughter working as a maids but we have to continue this pretence until we know what are maji and bauji intentions.

Aarti made friends with Sita who was four years her senior she had completed her twelfth grade education but extreme poverty had stopped her education, and her dreams; being without a collage education she had to take a job here for the last four years now her family wants her to marry into their community an illiterate driver. Sita encouraged Aarti to complete her education and her passion for art she told her to try and move on from this life that in a way she is lucky that there is no family for he to bow down to their demands.

In the study Savatri had the DNA results she was so happy she kept staring at it, then she decided to frame them and keep them safe in her cupboard. Savatri wanted to spend every waking moment with her daughter but she needed to have some self-control first she will make friends with her and find out her dreams and wants then she will encourage her to follow her dreams, she planned on taking Aaman's and Mansi's help'

Flash back

Mr Singh signed for the envelopes looked at them he realized that they were from the same lad but why three and in three different names he called his wife told to come to their room. When she arrived he told to close the door and sit with him. Savatri was wondering what was going on what did the messenger give was it the DNA results. "Iaan I want to tell you something two day ago I took our new maid Aarti to the doctors under the pretext of a physical for her job and insurance purpose; but I did a DNA test. Jaan look at her she resembles my dadi and her birthday, and name is just like our Aarti I just wanted to clear my mind, and my heart. What if she is our baby? if the test proved that she is our lost daughter I would of given you the best surprise ever now here are the results but it seemed that both you and the kids had the same idea. He smiled while showing the envelopes.

Savatri took one and she opened it with shaking hands she was so nervous and frightened if they are wrong she will be so hurt. Savatri read the results and a huge smile came to her face "JI She is OURS! Savatri laughed and lunged herself at her husband.

"Shush keep calm lets open the two others said Veer ripping them open "They are matched I mean the same look she is our baby! both held on to each other and cried happy tears "We have found our child after so much years of searching, hoping, and praying Savatri our baby is finally home with us. Thank you god our baby is alive and now you have guided her here back to her home

"Ji do we tell her the truth now or wait I am so happy I just want to run to her and hold he close to be and cover her with kisses

"Jaan we don't to frighten the girl plus we don't want to alert ma and bauji lets just get to know her and let her get to know us. Savatri I know you are excited and have so much love to give and want to make up for all the lost time.but we have to take this slow.

End of flash back

After lunch was papered Savatri showed Aarti how to dish out the meal in containers to take to the office "Madam ji why two servibgs?'

"One for Mr Singh and the other is for Yash he enjoys meals cooked by me

"Does not his mother cook for him? Aarti innocently asked

"His stepmother probable don't know how to boil water she is a rich wife with servants a very modern lady. I really should not be speaking bad of her she smiles at her daughter "Aarti have your lunch with me and you can change and accompany me to the offices to drop the lunch

"But madam ji I am the maid I can't eat with you that is very wrong

"How could it be wrong if I am inviting you to eat with me?

"But what will the others say If I eat with you

"Aarti are you hungry you have been working all morning

"Yes I am hungry

"Then we will all eat together kamala serve ma and bauji then let all have their lunch, come Aarti I will not take no for your answer here sit and eat with me, then I will give you some clothes shower and change quickly we will leave soon

Savatri chatted throughout the journey Aarti liked her employer but felt strange because of the special interest she was taking in her. Aarti heard the other servants whispering about it when she went to have her shower and she felt uncomfortable but how could she disappoint madam ji she is a kind loving lady who was showing her motherly affection something Aarti craved for all her life.

Aarti felt uncomfortable walking through the offices of this huge multi storey modern glass design building; they women were all so well dressed in their western wear and some is beautiful traditional wear with their perfectly made up faces; madam ji looked simple and beautiful in her saree she looked more like a simple house wife when compared to these glam up dolls not like the wife of one of the directors.

They made their way to the elevators and up to the top floor where they were greeted by more glam dolls then they arrived to Mr Veer office it was huge and he sat behind a huge oak desk with his laptop, and office stationaries and a few files, on his desk. When he saw them Aarti notices the happy look in his eyes and the board smile on his face he came towards them hugged his wife and said hello to Aarti. The poor girl felt even more out of place when she saw the greetings of the husband wife.

"Ji call Yash we brought lunch for you

After Mr Veer informed Yash he told Aarti to sit the girl looked around and saw the leather sofas and arm chairs around a coffee table, and in another corner a glass dining table with six chairs she felt so out of place in all this rich sophisticated surroundings

"Beta come sit you want some juice while we wait for Yash?

Mr Veer lead her to the sofa and Savatri placed the lunch basket on the table Aarti notice she walked to a door opened it and entered a small room then came out with dishes.

"Madam ji let me help and she rushed to assist to set the table for lunch

"No beta I will do it you sit and have so think to drink insisted Savatri but Aarti who is just as stubborn continues to help

Yash came and he was surprise and happy to see Aarti there

"Come beta let us sit and have lunch before these two have a fight about who should serve laughed Mr Singh

Aarti took it for granted that she came to serve after all she is the maid but her employers were treating her as if she is their guest these people are indeed strange she thought.

Yash sat he observed that it was set for two he politely asked if the ladies was not joining them Savatri said no they had their lunch already. Aarti served the men while Savatri just smiled and shook her head she had a plan for tomorrow. Savatri proudly told that Aarti helped with the cooking of the meal, poor girl felt embarrassment when Yash complimented her efforts.

While the men were eating and chatting with Savatri Aarti looked around the office she saw a picture of a younger Savatri holding a baby about ten months dressed in a cute pink dress with a pink bow on her head they looked so happy together this was on Mr Singh desk there was another picture with the MR. &Mrs Singh, Mansi and Aaman

Yash was having his lunch but he kept looking at Aarti she was so quiet trying to be invisible her in the office every time their hands brushed each other he smiled he noticed she also was affected by his close proximity

Yash was a bit confused why auntie brought Aarti to the office she usually comes by herself but whatever is her reason he is happy because he got to see the angel of his recent dreams. Then he heard Mr Veer inviting him to spend the weekend with them at their farm house, and explaining to Aarti that she will like it there

"Yash we will leave tomorrow afternoon and return Monday evening so inform your dada ji okay

"Ji Uncle ji "

Aarti helped Savatri to clear the lunch and tidy up she took the opportunity to ask Savatri why is she being included in their family get away. Savatri said that Mansi is the same age as her and she will be her companion so Mansi won't be bored and they could use the extra help with the house work over the weekend.

Savatri told Aarti that she will be taking her shopping for some new clothes Aarti was denying saying she has no money, that the clothes she has are fine Savatri told her that the money will come out from her salary so don't worry it is not charity.

Yash heard the banter of the ladies and once again understood that Aarti is a proud girl she wants to earn for everything she has and he admires her for this. Mr Veer noticed Yash interest in Aarti and he wondered if she should share their secret with him or wait until it is absolutely necessary.

The ladies left for shopping soon after unknown to Aarti Mansi has the evening off so she met them at the mall "Mami lets go to this store they have nice salwar kameez suits, and kurtis "

And then again "mami lets go here they have nice cotton under ware they kept moving from store to store buying stuff Aarti was amazed and tired going to all these different stores looking trying on then finally agreeing on buying items. These clothes were expensive and Aarti thought that she will have to work the entire year to pay for these clothes, foot ware, and toiletries; but madam ji and chote madamji seems happy and this was the first time in her life she has new clothes all her clothes she ever owned were second hand.

Before dinner while Aarti was receiving another cooking lesson from Savatri, Mr Veer took Mansi and Aaman to his study he showed them the DNA results they were happy that their suspicions proved correct Aarti was their sister. Mr Veer asked them what prompted them to take such a step to prove their relation with them. Aaman said he only wanted to bring back the happiness of their mama, mami life because they have been good parents to them taking them into their home after their parents died going against their nana, and nani. Mr Veer asked them to keep this a secret only between the four of them.

Again during dinner Aarti helped Kamla serve the meal and did the tidying up after wards; Kamal and the other maids were waiting for her in the servant's quarters and they spoke loudly for her to hear them about how she just came a few days and already have madamji eating out of her hands look at all the bags of clothes she got, how they only get gifts on holidays and special occasions. Kamala was instigating the maids only Sita stood up for Aarti defending her saying that she has worked out a plan with madamji to work and pay back for the clothes.

AArti felt a little hurt by this behaviour but she was accustomed to the jealousy and bad talk from her days in the orphanage.

The following day she helped with the cleaning of the house dada ji, and dadi ji commanded her to pack their bags for the weekend getaway, then she had to clean their room.

Mansi asked her to come help her pack, she showed Aarti her room her albums, she noticed Aarti's interest in the computer, and asked her if she wanted to learn. Aarti felt embarrassed at having been caught "No I mean Yes chote Madamji I have heard about computers in my school but our school never had any class; only those children who's parents could afford private lessons learnt about computers, however I did have some typing classes in the ninth grade. "

"Don't worry Aarti I will teach you and we can start this weekend

"But chote madam ji I an going there to work

" You will not be working all the time mami ji is not a slave driver, you will have time for yourself and you can enjoy with us Yash is also coming I am so happy he makes everything so much fun "

Aarti looked at Mansi she suspected that Mansi had a crush on Yash

Mansi said "come let me help you pack your bag

"No chote madamji I can manage
"I insist Aarti you can pack some of the new clothes we brought "

Yash arrived on time in his sleek Mercedes SUV much to Aarti's surprise they told her to accompany Yash, Mansi, and Aaman while the others went in Mr Veer Toyota SUV. Aarti was confused with this decision because she expected to travel with the parents and grand parents since she is their maid to be seated in the rear seats with the luggage not in this plush comfortable car behind Yash who was driving.

Yash kept looking At Aarti in the rear view mirror he saw her confused uncomfortable expressions during the three hour drive down the highway and the additional one hour it took through a backroad.

The drive was eventful with Mansi happily chatting away she made sure and included Aarti in her chatter explaining about the song, the singer different types of music. Aaman questioned Aarti if she had ever been out of Bhopal before told her about the route they were driving on and the village where the farmhouse was located explaining that this is where their nana ji father and his generations were born that it is actually an estate with a few thousand acres of cultivated land with animals which the villagers work that the village is indeed part of the estate. Aarti kept wondering why was Aaman sharing all this information about his family, and if it is a huge estate why did madam ji insist that she accompany them, there must be a lot of staff to attend to their needs, then why travel with the maid to their holiday. Now she understood the strange look in the faces of the older Singh couple when they realized that she was accompany them

.Finally they arrived the house was not small as Aarti thought instead it was a huge mansion and she was correct there were servants villagers working there Savatri told her that she will share Mansi room much to her surprise and Mansi delight. Aarti wanted to protest but Mansi held her hand and lead her to the large bedroom "Aarti we will have so much fun

"But chote madamji I am the maid I should be in the servants quarters not sharing your room

"Aarti firstly stop calling me chote madamji and call me Mansi, secondly we are here for three days of fun so have fun relax and enjoy

"But I am the maid not a member of this family and I need to work to pay back madam ji for the clothes and stuff

"Aarti beta relax and have fun you are young once and we can do all that maid employer stuff when we return to Bhopal so you can pay me back okay " said Savatri entering the room. "Now unpack and come downstairs and have tea and snacks betas

After she left Aarti insisted to unpack Mansi stuff and pack them neatly in the cupboards despite protest from Mansi then she unpacked and hang up her stuff when Mansi remainder her that it is her room also.

They had tea in the downstairs terrace and Aarti insisted that she serve then their tea and snacks Savatri wanted her to sit and enjoy with them but Aarti was stubborn and said she will have after them so Mansi Aaman, and Yash said they will wait for her if she can be stubborn so can they.

Chapter 7

After a much needed rest it was time for dinner; Mansi had a difficult time to convince Aarti to take rest "Chote madam I am not a guest I should be helping to Prepare dinner

"Aarti for this weekend you are our guest so shush and sleep and if you don't want to sleep lets us lie down and chat tell me about your childhood

"There is not much to tell I was left in the orphanage when I was ten months old the couple that left me there was not my parents they had my birth chart and they told my name Aarti life was difficult there were so many children from young I learned how to fight for my survival to work hard for everything I got. In school I tried my best to succeed I always managed to top my class, I used to sit outside under the street lamps to study and sometimes slept there. I love to draw and do craft a lady used to come to the orphanage and teach sewing I learnt some embroidery, then a man came and showed us how to make pottery, but there was a caregiver who loved to draw and paint from her I learnt and I used my skill to do sketches of portrait in the market for foreigners and tourists earning some money. I school I loved English, maths and accounts but sadly I could only complete to my tenth grade. One day when I can afford I want to complete my education Sita the maid at Singh mansion said you are never to old to learn and she told me that I should try my best and complete my education and get a better job. You see chote madam I want to help the kids in the orphanage life is were difficult there the government gives money and pay the employees but the children needs so much more like beds, food, medical care, books, clothes everything that persons with money take for granted those children needs. Aarti explained

Mansi told her story about her parents and their death how their mama ji and mami ji took them in and loved them as their own kids Mansi shared for they lost their own baby daughter and she too was ten months old and named Aarti.

Standing at the doorway was Savatri she heard the conversation she returned to her room and spoke to her husband and they decided that they will donate books, stationery supplies, and mattress and pay a grocery to deliver some food stuff every month> Mr Veer said that he will speak to Yash and his dada ji to also help with the monthly food stuff. They knew if they donated money that the unscrupulous persons working there will not buy the necessary thing for the children so they will manage the distribution of the items themselves and do constant checks,

Mansi had tears in her eyes when she heard Aarti's sad story she vowed to do everything she could to help her achieve her goal. Aarti asked her about Yash ji " He has been our friend since we came to live with mama ji; his grandfather, and father are old family friends, and business partners of nana ji and mama ji; so he has been like a son to mama ji and nana ji loves him a lot I think nana ji wishes that Yash was his grand son. Aaman loves him as a brother and they are the best of friends

"And You chote madam ji?

"I like him and I have always had a crush on him but he don't notice me I am more of an annoying sister too him she answered.

At dinner Aarti again insisted to serve so Mansi said she will also help to which Aarti protested and said it is her job but Mansi said one day she will get married so she has to learn this thing too.

Yash looked forward to have Aarti serve him because she will be close to him he can smell her the hands may brush on each other or her ponytail may accidently bruch his face or hands, he loved these little things>

After dinner Aaman and Yash wanted to listen to music so they dragged a protesting Aarti along who wanted to help clear and clean the dishes. Aarti thought that the Singh elders may not like this familiarity with Yash and their children since she is only the maid, but they just looked on amused and agreed with Aaman and Yash.

The grand parents however wanted to Aarti to help them in their room but did not get the chance to ask. Mr Singh senior despite his lack of love or acceptance for daughters who thought of them as a burden was developing a soft spot for Aarti the girl remained him so much of his mother. While his wife was making a new plan she knew that Aarti is their granddaughter and observed the fondness Yash has for her she planned to use this and get them married imagine the faces of the Scindhia women when they realize that their heir is married to an orphaned maid that will hurt their egos; and the Scindhia fortune will belong to members of her family her great grandsons, she smiled to herself that should make her husband happy.

In the terrace the music was set up and Aaman started to dance with Aarti who stood still pouting then Yash came and he started to dance around her she felt so embarrassed because she believed that Mansi likes Yash. "Oh come on girl relax and enjoy yourself it is only the four of us Yash smiled at her encouraging her along.

"But how can I relax Yash ji you are the gust of my employer and I am their maid it is not right that we dance together she explained

"Aarti this weekend you are not the maid but also a guest mami ji said so, and beside it is only dancing and enjoying ourselves. Girl you are young enjoy yourself let the three of us get to know you life has so much to offer so don't go all serious okay. You can't tell me that the beat of the music don't make you want to move your body Yash continued to dance joined in by Aaman and Mansi. Finally although she was still shy she give in and danced with them.

Chapter 7

Aarti is a natural when it came to dancing she had worked cleaning the dance studio for two years and had closely observed the lessons both in western and traditional Indian dances. Yash felt immense joy dancing with her and observing the light shinning in her eyes and the glow on her cheeks as the evening progressed she was finally relaxing and enjoying being in their company

In their room Mansi asked "Aarti di did you have fun?'

"Chote madamji why are you calling me di I am your maid

"You are older than me by a couple of weeks so you are my di and I don't think of you as the maid but as my friend

"But I don't recall me telling you when is my birthday. "said a confused Aarti

"You said that you had to leave the orphanage when you became eighteen three weeks ago and my birthday was a week ago the day before you came to us Mansi explained

Aarti pondered on this she was certain that she only told her birthday to the elders

"Di living on the streets was difficult nah? I see so many homeless families and I just take it for granted that they just like living in poverty.

"No one likes living on the streets but what to do if they don't have no money for a room or even to build something in the slum, you have to beg and if someone is kind and gives you some money you have to buy food, Most are uneducated or with very little education so what jobs will they get, if they are lucky they may get as a daily paid labour or maybe a cleaner. You sleep on the bare ground. There is no toilet and nowhere to bathe street people fight among themselves for food clothes and a place to sleep. I lived on the street for two weeks and every day I wondered if would be my last. I was lucky I still had my cleaning job in the studio, and some saved money to help me survive

"Di you don't have to live like that again nah, you can complete your education get a better job marry a rich husband and have your own family. I can help you study so can Aaman bhayia and I know Yash wants to help he likes you smiled Mansi

"Thank you chote madamji for your offer I do want to complete my education but I have to work to pay for my education, and I know my limits no rich man will want to marry a poor orphan like me his family will not accept it. Miss Mansi you like Yashji don't you I see the way you look at him Aarti smiled

"DI I have a crush on him but I am only an annoying friend or a sister to him, he is busy with his dada ji running their family business, and he has all those girls running after him I heard from our circle of friend that he sometimes you know enjoy what they are offering she blushed a cute reddish colour.

Aarti was not surprise to hear that after all he is a man and a rich handsome one at that.

The following morning dadaji requested that Aarti accompany her and dadaji to the nearby temple Aarti was surprised when they told her to sit with them for the pooja after they give her blessing and told her to call them daadi, and dada from now on as she is now they consider her as their grand daughter Aarti being a respectful girl did not want to offend the elderly couple so she agreed, but decide that she will speak to Mansi, Aaman, and Yash about this she felt in her heart that she can trust them.

The four young people were in the garden with Aarti serving juice and snacks "Di leave that we can serve ourselves come and sit Mansi said

"I don't mind Aarti serving me she can do so if she likes said Yash smiling at Aarti giving her a wink.

"Yashu Di is our friend replied Mansi

"You know Mansi a wife serves her husband it is expected and her husband enjoys the attention replied Yash looking at Aarti for a reaction

Aarti give Yash a glare then said "Yash ji don't flirt with me "

"Who says I am flirting with you? giving her a stern look

"Well I am sorry for misunderstanding she blushed and moved away

"Aarti I am only teasing you silly girl he laughed and reached out and held her hand

This made Aarti blushed a deeper red as he came and stood next to her "You look so cute when you are angry, and embarrassed "

Aaman and Mansi were smiling they knew Yash was serious about Aarti, but he wanted to give her space to grow and improve herself before revealing his feelings, because he did not want her to feel inferior to anyone.

Aarti looked to where the brother and sister sat she was afraid of their reaction with Yash closeness but was shocked that they were smiling and joined in the banter "Yashu I will call you jiju from now on "Yes my bhai I took shall call you jijaji " laughed Aaman

Aarti opened her mouth in surprise she wanted to answer them with a fitting reply but how could she when she is the maid and not a family member. These people are strange and impossible to deal with.

"Miss Mansi why did you not accompany your nannaji, and naniji to the temple this morning?

"Well Di firstly I love to sleep in, and secondly nani did not ask me to. Why what happened?

"Nothing much except they told me that from now I am their grand daughter and I should call them dadaji, and daadiji. Miss Mansi why are your entire family being so kind and loving towards me I am nobody except the maid

Aarti don't say that you are a good person and easily likeable so circumstance made you get a job as a maid that dose not mean you have to stay a maid all your life you can complete your education get a better job. I, I mean we can help you if you allow us. No strings attached Explained Yash

Aarti observed the honesty in his eyes and she looked at Mansi, and Aaman they too had the same honesty "okay but I will not accept charity I will pay my way therefore that means I have to work as the maid in order to earn money.

"No you don't I will pay for your education and when you complete your degrees you will work and pay me back we can make it a legal agreement Okay expounded Yash "this is not charity Aarti but a business contract as a businessman I am making an investment with the hope of gaining a profit

"What profit I may turn out to be a dunce, or I can abscond after I complete my education

"Aarti you won't abscond if you were that type you would already stole from this family and run away by now

"May be I will fall in love and get married and my husband won't allow me to work

"Well that man will be a fool, but I see the honesty in your eyes and the confidence you have you will pay me back because you are a proud girl and your pride, and word means a lot to you.

"Yashji you just met me how can you be so sure?
"Aarti my heart tell me this that I should take this chance with you he smiled at her

Aarti felt her knees go weak because of that smile she so wanted to please him at that moment to give her all and make him proud of all her accomplishments at that moment he became the centre of her small world.

Aaman, and Mansi noticed the change in the tone of the conversation and the way AarYa was looking at eachother they realized that love had grown between these two but they were not ready to fully accept as yet

Later that evening Savatri was in the family room arranging some pictures she had brought to place in their family albums, she noticed Aarti passing by and called her in, she showed Aarti old family albums telling her the story behind each picture. While doing so Aarti noticed a resemblance to one particular lady it was an old photo but the lady in question looked like her Savatri told that it was her father in law's mother when she was a teenager and had recently married into the family. Savatri continued of how she had four children, her father in law is the only son that his father and grandfather wanted boys, they were disappointed that three girls were born and showed their disappointment by marrying his father to another woman but unfortunately that lady died in childbirth of yet another daughter, They married off the girls when they were twelve years each and sent them far away from Bhopal, that girls we not welcomed in this family by them. Aarti asked where are they now Savatri said one moved to Canada with her family, one is in London, one lives in South Africa, and the last daughter when she was eleven she ran away with one boy who was a servant here because her father wanted to marry her off to a much older man just to get rid of her, she lives her in Bhopal her husband owns a garage and her daughter was one of my best friends in collage that is how we made the connection with Veer and his sister Mansi, and Aaman's mother. The four sisters have kept in touch with Veer and herself, they speak to Mr Singh senior on special occasions Savatri told that she did not know if her father in law still hated girls children born into this family because he never showed any signs of hate towards her baby daughter during the ten months that she lived with them he was angry at his daughter and refused to speak to her or accept her children, but after she died he wanted Aaman to live with us but we could not separate the children as her wanted and leave Mansi in an orphanage so we decided that we will adopt both children against his orders and move far away from him with the children we had already lost our baby girl we were not going to lose our niece and nephew also.

"Madam ji how did you lose your batie?

Savatri told her the story and that they had never given up hope that one day they will be reunited with their child.

Savatri showed her more family pictures and Aarti saw the same lady again and the more she looked the more she begun to wonder if she is somehow connected to this lady because the resemblance was remarkable they could be ma and batie.

Aarti went to her room Mansi was there reading so she went and lie on the bed to think she was one confused girl so much had happened today and in the past week; how is it that she and the Singhs lost daughter have their birthday, name and Aarti was ten months when she was left at the orphanage and the Singhs baby was also ten months when she was forcefully taken from them.