She cares ghanta about us 🤷♀️
🤣I like it.. pull the trigger ..dhishkyaonn.. RB ke ghuse ki tarah ye bhi nahi phonchegi.. 🤣
Mishti life lesson you can take a camel to the well but not make it drink. 🤷♀️
She cares ghanta about us 🤷♀️
Haan... Hum toh paraye ho gye hain...
Kucch nahi hain hum inke...
Satyavachan...👍🏼
Hello Amazing People 🤗
I hope everyone is doing well and hanging on tight during Corona Phase. Thank you so much for all the lovely messages on this thread filled with appreciation, wishes, love, care and even worry.. I loved reading all of them and replied to each one.. thank you soo much
I had been away from the forum for a long time, so much that I even planned on abandoning this story. But then someone very dear said "instead of abandoning it, I must continue and bring it to a conclusion" The words motivated me so much that I had to go back and read the entire story again to resume writing. The gap was long enough to lose track of it. So I have come up with the next update. I am still trying to get the hang of it, therefore, my apologise in advance if it doesn't sit well against your expectations.
Stay Safe everyone now that they are slowly lifting restrictions, we all need to be way more careful.
Love
Sunnshine
Continuation from Chapter 23
"Ab aap log bahar ayenge breakfast ke liye?" Shivani stood at the door, with her hands resting on the waist.
"Sorry Shivi, chalo" Veena got up and left with Shivani. Prerna laid back on the bed and her face adorned with a wide smile, filled with excitement as well as uncertainty of what was waiting for her in Mumbai.
"Priyu beta aa jao jaldi" Prerna heard her Mom and she replied "Aayi Maa"
CHAPTER 24
SAME DAY
SHARMA NIWAS
9.45 am
Veena and Shivani had already taken their places around the table, while Suman and Mahesh served the breakfast, when Prerna joined them all.
"Arey waah, Mahesh aaj tum breakfast serve kar rahe ho? This is so good" she hugged her brother before grabbing her place.
"Thanks Di. Sab kuch na kaam karte hai ghar mein ya bahar. Abhi koi mujhe job to dega nahi, isliye socha thoda ghar mein hi kuch help kar du" said Mahesh and served a huge portion of poha for her.
"I am so proud of you Mahesh. Isi khushi mein ye jo itna sara poha serve kia hai tumne mujhe, I will finish it all"
She was unusually chirpy and happy, her face looked brightened, which no one failed to take a notice of.
"Kya baat hai Priyu di, aaj kitne dino baad aap itne khush dikhayi de rahe ho. Jabse Mumbai se aaye the kahin to lost se rehte the. Haina Mahesh" Mahesh nodded in agreement with Suman.
"Aisa kuch nahi hai Bhabhii…"
Shivani interrupted and said "Thodi der pehle dekhna chahiye tha Priyu Di ko, alag hi tense the, jaise kuch important kho gaya ho. Par shayad Maa ne dhund diya isliye itna khush hain.. haina di?"
Prerna made no effort to hide her smile while replying to Shivani "haan Shivi, you are right in a way. Bhuat dino se kafi sare questions dimaag mein chal rahe the, samajh mein hi nahin aa raha tha ki unke answers kya hain aur kahan hain. Par pichle kuch dino se jo hua kuch kuch samajh a raha tha, but ye nahi pata tha ki jo main soch rahi hu wo sahi hai ya galat. Aaj Maa ne help ki aur ab sab pehle se clear dikhai de raha hai" Prerna kept her hand over Veena's and thanked her with a nod. Veena too responded with a smile.
"Aap to kitna philosophical sound kar rahe ho Priyu di.. sawal, jawab, clarity…" said Mahesh. Prerna chuckled hearing him.
"To sare jawab mil gaye aapko?" asked Shivani, serving tea for everyone.
"Nahi…"
Shivani stopped for a second and asked "To phir.."
"Shivi, jawab to nahi mile, but itna samajh aa gaya ki kaha mil sakte hain.." said Prerna relishing the last few bites of her poha.
Lines of worry began to show on Veena's face as she could sense where their conversation was heading to. She very well knew the outcome of such discussions between her daughters was never very pleasant. Veena had not yet told anyone about her decision to let Prerna go to Mumbai.
Veena came out of her reverie, hearing Shivani's voice "Batao na Di, kaha milenge aapke ye jawab.."
"Mumbai.."
Veena closed her eyes as she heard the word and everyone else just froze in their place for a few seconds. Unaware of everyone's reactions around, Prerna was busy accomplishing the task to finish the very last particle on her plate.
Veena took advantage of this opportunity and with a little nod asked everyone to not make it an issue. She would explain everyone when Prerna is not around. Reluctantly everyone agreed, especially Shivani because after the long argument between the two sisters, it was pretty clear to her that by Mumbai she meant nothing else but Kukki and Mr. Bajaj. One person Shivani disliked from the core of her heart. She always held him responsible for Prerna and Anurag's separation. But obeying her Mom she didn't say anything and waited to confront her Mom later.
"Wow, Maa. Aaj poha kuch zyada hi yummy nahi tha" said Prerna, finally shifting her focus from food, back to her family.
"Aaj breakfast maine banaya hai di" said Shivani, faking a smile.
"Really, you are amazing Shivi… Maa, main freshen up hoke aati hu, fir aage ka plan karenge. Bhaut kuch karna hai but sabse pehle Bandana aunty aur Aditya se baar karni hai. Main aati hu.. thanks Shivi for the amazing breakfast.." Prerna was off to her room on the first floor in no time.
All the eyes in the dining hall followed Prerna till she entered her room. As soon as Prerna closed the door, it looked like statues came alive and they all bombarded Veena with their questions in whispering voices.
"Maa Mumbai.."
"Aapne allow kiya????"
"Kab decide kiya? Aap janti hai na di waha kyu jana …."
Veena felt attacked with all the questions, she couldn't understand anyone as all of them spoke together. "Shhhh.. chup karo tum sab" she said in a soft yet stern voice. "Kya kar rahe ho? Sab ek sath bologe to kaise kisi ko kuch samajh ayega. Main sab batati hu par yaha nahi, mere room mein. Aur Prerna ke neeche aane se pehle jisko jo poochna hai pooch lena, uske samne kuch nahi"
Everyone agreed and followed Veena to her room.
Shivani was the first one to ask, "batayie Maa. Mumbai jane ka decision kab aur kaise liya aap dono ne? Aap maan bhi gayi? Aap janti hai na wo waha Kukki aur Mr.. (Shivani gritted her teeth as she took Rishabh's name) Mr. Bajaj ke pass jana chahti hai.. aap janti hai na unhone Di ke sath kya kiya? Fir bhi aap maan gaye Maa? Kaise??? Di ne us raat Mr. Bajaj ke baare mein jo kuch kaha uska itna asar ho gaya aapke upar ki aapko bhi Mr. Bajaj mein kuch galat dikhayi dena band ho gaya hai?" Shivani ended with a slightly raised voice, filled with anger.
"Dheere bolo Shivani, humne saaf-saaf kaha tha tumse, hum nahi chahte Priyu tak awaz bhi jaaye. Jahan tak baat Mr. Bajaj ko pasand karne ki hai. Hum mante hai ki us raat Priyu ne jo kaha usme sacchai hai, galtiyan humne bhi ki hain par aisa kuch nahi hai ki humare khayal unke baare mein poori tarah se badal gaye hai. Unhone jis tarah se Priyu se shaadi ki wo aaj bhi humari nazar mein galat hai"
"To fir ye sab kya hai Maa??" asked Shivani, holding her Mom by her shoulders.
"Hum nahi bhool sakte Mr. Bajaj ne kya kiya par hum ye bhi to nahi bhool sakte ki Priyu humari beti hai aur uski khushi ki zimmedari hum par bhi aati hai. Kal raat Priyu ne humse aisa bhaut kuch poocha, jiske jawab humare pass bhi nahi hai. Hum samajh sakte hain, humari bacchi khud kitna phansa hua mehsus kar rahi thi. Hum uske liye kuch zyada to nahi kar sakte par uska sath to de sakte hain. Aur humne hi usey kaha tha apni life mein aage badne ke liye. Aur aaj jab usne itna bada faisla lene mein humein shamil kiya to hum kaise mana karte?"
Suman stood behind Veena, lowering her head on Veena's shoulder she said "aap theek keh rahi hai Maa. Hum Priyudi ki family hain, agar hum hi unhe nahi samjhenge, unka sath nahi denge to kaun dega? Dekha na aaj Di kitne dino baad itni khush hain. Shekhar bhi chahte hain Di wo kare jisme unhe khushi mile"
"Aap sahi keh rahi hain Suman bhabhi, agar Di ki khushi Mumbai jane mein hai to hamein unhe jane dena chahie" said Mahesh.
"Really?? I can't believe aap log ye kya bol rahe hain. Mahesh wo sirf Mumbai jati to main sabse pehle unke jane ke arrangements karti, par wo Mr. Bajaj ke pass jana chahti hain. Unhe nahi pata wo kya kar rahi hain. Filhal Anurag nahi hai hai isliye Di Kukki ko miss kar rahi hain aur uski wajah se wo Mr. Bajaj ke pass jane ko bhi ready hain. Ye galat hai. What if Mr. Bajaj aur unki ex-wife, jiske baare mein Di ne kaha tha, unka patch up ho gaya ho.. to kya wo milne bhi degi Di ko Kukki se? Wo asli Maa hai Kukki ki.. Kya Di ka dil nahi tootega? Ya pichli baar ki tarah Mr. Bajaj ne phir se Di ko blackmail karke unko use kiya to? Is baar to Anurag bhi nahi hai jo Di ko musibat se bahar nikal le ayega. Aur Maa, maan lijiye sab sab waisa hua jaisd Di chah rahi hain, jab Anurag wapas aayega, tab? Tab kya jawab denge hum usey? Bataiye Maa. Di ne na tab socha tha jab Mr. Bajaj se shaadi kar li thi aur na aaj soch pa rahi hain. Wo emotional hain, dil se sochti hain, but hum? Hum kaise allow kar dein unhe unki life phir se ruin karne kr liye?"
"Shivi beta hum mante hain ki tumhara dar puri tarah se galat nahi hai. Lekin beta abhi usne kuch faisla nahi liya hai. Jo bhi tumne abhi abhi kaha, usne ek ek baat kal raat hamse kahi thi. Wo janti hai ki chahe wo yaha rahe ya Mumbai jaye, zaruri nahi ki usey wo mil jaye jo wo chah rahi hai.. shayad wo theek se janti bhi nahin hai ki wo kya kar rahi hai. Usne us bacchi ke sath 3 mahine ek Maa ki tarah guzare hain, to hum samajh sakte hai ki usey Kukki se lagav kyu mehsus ho rha hai. Pata nahin kis wajah se, par usey lagne laga hai ki usne Kukki ke sath sab kuch theek nahi kiya, aur uska afsos hai usey. Ye guilt uske andar kaha se aya, ye to hum nahi jante par, Kukki ke liye uska pyaar saccha hai. Mr. Bajaj se hamari shikayatein ek taraf hai, par Kukki ne sach mein Priyu ko apni Maa mana hai. Prerna ne bataya tha humein, uski awaz aate hi jo pehle shabd usne kahe wo aur kuch nahi balki 'Prerna Mama' the"
"Ohhh Maa.. aap samajh nahi rahi hain…"
"Shivi.. dekho beta, hum ek hadd tak kuch keh sakte hain, kyunki life to ye Priyu ki hai. Aur tumhari tarah uska bhi haq banta hai apni zindagi ke sahi-galat faisley lene ka. Apni galtiyon se seekhne ka. Hum kitna bhi kuch kyun na keh lein, sach to ye hai ki- halat chahein jaise bhi rahe ho, Priyu aur Mr. Bajaj ne legal marriage ki aur wo dono aaj bhi us rishtey se bandhe hue hain. Wo dono aaj bhi legal husband-wife hain."
Veena's last words shocked everyone. Shivani clearly looked baffled, she wanted to question her Mom, but failed to form any meaningful sentence.
Veena continued, "Haan, wo dono aaj bhi married hai. Mr. Bajaj ne jo divorce papers Priyu ko diye the, unke upar Mr. Bajaj ke signs to hain lekin Priyu ne ab tak sign nahi kiye hain. Kal raat hi hamne papers dekhe. Hamari bacchi shayad Anurag se shaadi ki khushi ke aage ye bhi bhool gayi ki, bina divorce file kiye agar wo shaadi ho bhi jati tab bhi kanoon ki nazar mein valid nahin hoti. Usne pichle kuch waqt mein itne galat decisions khud se liye hain aur wo bhi ye jan gayi hai, isliye jab kal jab usne ye sab humse discuss kiya to uski Maa hone ke naate kaise na uska sath dete batao. Beti hai wo hamari, koi dushman nahi"
Suman and Mahesh hugged Veena as she was almost on the verge of crying. Mahesh said "Aapne jo kiya wo theek kiya Maa. Di ka haq banta hai apni life ke decision lene ka"
It didn't take Veena more than a second to see, Shivani was still unconvinced. She made Shivi sit on her bed and sat next to her. Holding her daughter's hands she said "Hum jante hain tum hamesha se Priyu ko Anurag ke sath dekhna chahti thi, aur sach batayein to hum bhi yahi chahte the, isliye to Mohiniji ki itni insulsts ke baad bhi humara pyaar aur izzat uske liye kam nahi hui. Jo jagah uski hai, wo shayad koi aur na le paye, par beta ye bhi sach hai, Anurag yaha hai hi nahi."
Shivani was quick to respond "par iska matlab ye to nahi hai ki wo laut ke ayega hi nahi. Police usey dhund rahi hai.. mujhe pakka yakeen hai wo laut aayega.. aapne aur Di ne itni jaldi ummeed kho di uske wapas aane ki?"
"Aisa nahi hai beta, hum to har roz uske liye bhagwan se prarthna karte hain. Aur Priyu ne bhi kaha ki usey poora yakeen hai ki wo laut ayega.."
Shivani's eyes glistened for the first time in the entire conversation. "To phir problem kya hai? Kyu Priyudi, Mumbai jana chahti hain?"
"Itna asan nahi hai jitna tumhe lag raha hai. Unki jagah khud ko rakh ke socho Shivi, Jis tarah Basu Badi se unhe wedding dress mein hi wapas bhej diya tha, usney Priyudi ke upar gehra asar kiya hoga.." said Suman.
"Sahi kaha tumne Suman. Waha se nikala jana aur hum yakeen se to nahi keh sakte par, Priyu ka rally mein jab accident hua, uske baad se wo kuch badal si gayi. Hum sabse to yahi kehti rahi ki sab theek hai, par kitne baar humne usey akele mein rote hue dekha tha. Humne poochna bhi chaha par usne humesha taal diya. Aur jab Moloy bhaisahab aur Anupam aye the usse milne, jis tarah se usne baat ki, wo waise nahi thi jaise wo humesha kiya karti thi. Kisi ne uske sath kuch bhi kyu na kiya ho, wo apne Kakababu ke humesha hi kareeb thi. Par us din nahi. Jaise kuch toot gaya tha uske andar is baar. Shayad wo Mohiniji ko usey ghar se nikalne se rok nahi paaye isliye. Hum keh nahi sakte"
"Main manti hu Maa, Basu Badi mein Di ke sath sahi nahi hua par Anurag ki koi galati nahi hai. Wo to khud hi na jane kis musibat mein hoga koi janta bhi nahi"
"Anurag ne nahi kiya par kya Anurag ki family ussey alag hai? Kal raat Priyu ne humein kuch sawal pooche the, wahi hum tumse poochte hain. Agar jawab ho to batana. Priyu ne poocha ki agar Anurag aaj wapas aa bhi jata hai, wo dono shaadi kar lete hain to kya Anurag ki family kabhi usey apnayegi? Wo respect degi jo usey milni chahiye? Jawab hum dono jante hai "Na" hai. Wo log usey us ghar mein tab tak hi jhelenge jab tak Anurag hai, wo bhi bina khushi ke. To kya is sab ke liye kahe Priyu ko yaha baithke Anurag ka intezar karne?"
"Aur iski wajah se unhe Mr. Bajaj jaise mean insaan ke pass jana chahiye? Agar Anurag ki family Di ke liye galat hai to Mr. Bajaj kis tarah se sahi hue? Kya fark hai dono mein? Kam se kam Basu Badi mein Anurag aur Kakababu to…"
"Fark hai Shivi…"
All heads turned to the door hearing Prerna's voice.
"Basu Family aur Mr. Bajaj mein fark hai .. bhaut fark hai.."
Startled Veena got up from her place and said "Priyu.. beta tum.. kab aayi???"
"Bhaut der pehle Maa. Apna phone aapke room mein bhool gayi thi, wahi lene ayi thi.." she said looking at her phone on the side table. "Aur puri baat bhi suni. Isse pehle main Shivi ke question ka answer du, pehle Maa main aapko thank you kehna chahti hu. Aapke apne opinions hain, apne reasons hain lekin un sabhi ko side pe rakhke aapne mujhe ek mauka diya aur mera sath diya. Uske liye bada sa thank you" she hugged her Mom.
"Suman bhabhi, Mahesh thanks to you two as well. Maa aur mujhe samajhne ke liye. Main janti hu past mein kafi kuch aap sabko bina bataye kar diya maine but is baar sahi ya galat, aap sab ko batakar aur aapke support ke sath karna chahti hu"
She sat next to Shivani on the bed and hugged her tightly. "Aur shivi Thanks to you too.. mujhe nahi pata tha, my little sister worries so much about me. Tumne jo kuch bhi kaha usme kuch galat nahi tha Shivi, coz tum mujhme aaj bhi usi Priyudi ko dekhti ho, jo pagalon ki tarah Anurag se pyaar karti thi. Jiski zindagi Anurag se shuru hoke usi or khatm ho jati thi. Itna ki uske samne usey kuch dikhayi nahin deta tha, apni family bhi nahi. Par wo Prerna us din se dheere dheere tootna shuru ho gayi thi jis din, usey Basu Badi se nikal diya tha. Tab koi aur nahi, sirf meri family mere sath thi. Aur aaj tumhare samne tumhari wahi Priyu di with updated version samajhlo, with some new features" said Prerna, trying to lighten Shivi's mood.
"Aur maine Anurag ke wapas aane ki koi ummeed nahi chhodi hai, tumse kahi zyada mujhe yakeen hai ki wo wapas aayega.."
"To kyu Mumbai jana chahti ho Di. Yaha bhi to sab acha chal raha hai. Ghar, job sab kuch…" asked Shivani.
Prerna caressed her sister's face. "Bahar se dekhein to sab acha hai Shivi. Par jab se Mumbai mein apne past ko mili to andar ek ajeeb restlessness aur guilt hai. Maine bhaut koshish ki uske baare mein na sochne ki, par wo jab tak shant nahin hoti tab tak mujhe sukoon nahi milega. Maa ne bataya na ab bhi my threads are tied to them. Kuch loose ends hain jinhe closure ki zarurat hai"
"Par agar wahan aapko wo nahi mila jo aap chah rahi hain to?"
"To bhi mere andar ki ye restlessness to dur ho jayegi. Ye to pata chal jayega that I don't belong there. Aur jo connecting threads hain, unse bhi I will get a freedom. Haina?"
Prerna got up from the bed and opened her bag on the bed.
"Ye sab dekh rahi ho Shivi, ye sab hain mere connecting threads. I promise, agar mera decision galat hua to ye sab waha chhod aungi. (She picked up the divorce papers) Aur ye jo divorce papers hai, unhe khud sign karke file bhi main hi karungi…"
"And then you can be with Anurag, when he returns.." said Shivi.
Prerna chuckled and said "Nahi Shivi, Filhal ek relation jiske baare mein din raat sochti hu wo bas Kukki hai.. meri bacchi.. aur is sab se Anurag ke sath mere future par koi fark nahi padega. Irrespective of the fact how things end up for me in Mumbai, Anurag aur main shayad dost ho sakte hain, par ussey zyada kuch ho payenge ya nahi ye main bhi nahi janti. Maine apni self respect aur identity se bhi badkar kuch khoya hai, jise main chah kar bhi wapas nahi la sakti Shivi. Aisa bhi kuch hua hai, jo main chah kar bhi bata nahi sakti" Prerna's eyes welled up as she remembered the unfortunate evening she lost her unborn child, following someone she thought was Anurag.
Shivani was shocked, she got up from the bed and clapped on Prerna's face, mockingly laughing at her. "Waah Priyudi.. aap to amazing ho. Anurag lautega to aap bas friends honge. Wo pyaar jiske itne bade bade dawe karti thi aap, wo sab khatam.. aise hi.. jaise kuch tha hi nahi.. Agar Anurag ko pata hota ki uske jaane se aap usey bhoolke ek baar phir se Mr. Bajaj ke peeche jayengi, to wo bechara kabhi ghar se nikalta hi nahi.."
"Shivi…" Veena tried to interrupt but she failed.
"Wait.. last time bhi yahi hua tha na, Anurag ko jail bhijwake, Mr. Bajaj manipulated the entire situation to get you in his life. Kahi is baar bhi to…?"
"Aap kehna kya chahti ho Shividi?" asked Mahesh who was now irritated by his sister's antics.
Shivi held Mahesh by his shoulders and said "Main ye kehna chahti hu, ki kahi is baar bhi Anurag ko Di ki life se dur karne ke peeche bhi Mr. Bajaj ka hi haath to nahi hai. Waise kya badi baat hai unke liye kisi ko gayab karwana. Waise bhi koi khaas image to nahi hai unki, bas Priyudi ko hi unke andar ek acha insaan dikhai dene laga hai jabse wo Mumbai se wapas aayi hai. Warna to hum jante hi hain log kya kuch nahi kehte unke baare mein. Ruthless, selfish, yahi sab synonyms hain na unke."
"Shivi tumhe pata bhi hai tum kya bolti ja rahi ho?" Said Prerna in a slightly higher voice this time.
Shivani held her head in her hands and paced around the room, confusing everyone with her behaviour.
"Oh My Goddd!!! How could I miss this earlier" she laughed and reached out to Suman. "Suman bhabhi, zara sochiye, Priyudi jo Calcutta ke NGO mein job karti hain, 6 mahine bhi nahi hue the join kiye and tadaa enters Mr. Aditya Adhiraj from Mumbai. Poore NGO ke experienced staff ko chhodke he offers a job, that too for a startup, to whom? Apni Priyudi. (Shivani looked at Prerna and circled around while talking) Priyudi Mumbai jati hain, waha wo ek baar fir se Kukki aur Mr. Bajaj ko dekhti hain aur unki sari memories refresh ho jati hai. Wo ek baar fir se Kukki se connected feel karti hain, ek Mom ki tarah, jo duniya ki strongest aur most powerful feeling hai.."
Prerna's eyes followed Shivani and said "Point par aao Shivi.. kisi drama ki script mat sunao" Prerna was frustrated with her monologue now, but she wanted to hear it all.
"Drama hi to hai Di. Jo insan tumhe Mumbai le jata hai, wo aur koi nahi Mr. Bajaj ka best friend hai. Coincidence? Aisa bhi to possible hai ye sab Mr. Bajaj ne kiya ho, to get you back in his life. Warna aise kaise ho sakta hai ki aap Mr. Bajaj ke friend ke sath, unhi ke office mein job karein. Another coincidence? Kukki ki wo drawing, jo aapko lift ke pass mili. Wo jaan boojh ke unhone waha chhodi ho, taki aap dekh sakein how much Kukki misses you. Waise bhi bacchi ko kaun office leke ata hai? Wo chhoti bacchi hai miss to karegi hi. Uski drawing ka fayda uthaya. Aur jab uske baad bhi aap waha se wapas aa gayi, to khud Calcutta aapke office mein aa gaye, wo bhi Kukki ke sath. Jab yaha the tab bhi to Kitne business trips par wo gaye, par Kukki ko leke kabhi nahi gaye. To phir is baar hi kyun? And his plan worked, ek baar fir se aap Anurag ko bhoolke, unki taraf ja rahi hai. Is baar bhi unka weapon Kukki hi hai like last time"
Taking a short pause, Shivani continued, "Kaise nahi samajhi main ye aajtak. Shaadi ki raat, shaadi se kuch hi der pehle Anurag ka gayab hona, Bajajs ka London ki jagah Mumbai jana, fir aapka Mumbai trip, his Calcutta trip.. all this makes sense. Maan gaye.. yaa sabke samne aapko divorce papers deke ache banne ka natak kiya, aur uske baad ye sab planning..( she clapped again) sahi kehte hain log, nobody can beat Mr. Bajaj in his games. He is a master planner. Jab unhe koi cheez chahiye hoti hai to wo kisi bhi hadd tak ja sakte hain. Aur is baar unki zidd aap hai.. Kukki to bas ek zariya hai…"
"Pata hai Shivi, itni der se tumhari ye bakwaas sunke gussa to itna aa rha hai ki, ek zor ka thappad laga du. Par nahi, puri baat sunke gusse se zyada hasi aa rahi hai ki tum bina cheezo ko jane aur samjhe kitna kuch soch sakti ho. Par dukh itna hai ki tumne sara talent negative baatein sochne mein waste kar diya. Waise tum story writing consider kar sakti ho... jab itna kuch soch hi liya hai tumne, to ye bhi soch lena... Aditya ko agar Mr. Bajaj ne bheja hota to Aditya mujhe kabhi Mumbai bulate hi nahin, because Mr. Bajaj ki ex-wife aur koi nahi Aditya ki sister hai. Aur wo aaj bhi chahte hain, Mr. Bajaj aur unki sister sath aa jayein. Aisa nahi hai ki tum janti nahi, jo bhi sab kuch tum keh rahi ho wo galat hai, just a figment of your imagination with no truth; par tumhari nafrat tumhare logic se kuch zyada hi aage nikal gayi hai. Isliye tumhe samjhane ka koi fayda nahi hai. Tum nahi samjhogi"
Prerna grabbed her phone from the side table and walked towards the door. She stopped at the door and turned back, "Jane se pehle tumhare sawal ka answer de deti hu. Tumne Maa se poocha tha na kya fark hai Mr. Bajaj aur Basu family mein. Jitni nafrat aur insult us family ne meri aur hum sab ki ki, ussey kahi zyada respect aur care Mr. Bajaj ne di sirf un 3 mahino mein. He always stood by my side. Motivated me. Infact unhone hi mujhe samjhaya tha ki aap sab ke sath baat karun, taki humare misunderstandings dur ho jaye. Meri kahi har ek baat ki value ki, jaisi kabhi kisi nahi ki, jo karne ki unhe koi zarurat nahin thi. Aur bhi bhaut kuch hai kehne ko par phir kabhi. Tum unke baare mein jo sochna chahti ho soch sakti ho, bas ye kabhi mat sochna ki wo kabhi Kukki ko use karenge for his benefit. Wo Kukki se kitna pyaar karte hain, uske liye tumhe un dono ko khud dekhna hoga. Kukki ko zara si bhi kharoch aati hai to he hurts the most. Aur tum soch rahi ho ki wo khud Kukki ko kisi tarah ka psychological harm hone denge, using her as a bait to lure me into his web. Good story Shivi, bas realistic nahi hai. Aur maine kabhi nahi kaha unhone kuch galat nahi kiya, par wo itne bhi bure nahi hai ki Kukki ko use karenge. Anyway, I have a lot to do, because I hoped you'd help but yaha to tum busy ho stories create karne mein. So Good luck with your stories"
"Shividi kabhi to situation samajh kar baat kar lijiye.." said Mahesh as soon as Prerna left.
"Aap sab ko aaj main galat lag rahi hu, par aap dekhiye, aage kya hota hai. Di ko Mr. Bajaj ke pass jane ke liye allow karke aap sab bhaut galat kar rahe hain. Ye baat aapko jaldi hi samajh ayegi. Main college ja rahi hu, library se kuch books lani hai assigment ke liye.." Shivani stormed out of the room.
Veena dropped on the bed, "Pata nahi bhagwan ko aur kitne imtihaan lene hain hamare. Jab lagta hai ki cheeze sudhar rahi hain, tabhi kuch na kuch ho jata hai.." Suman embraced Veena, who had broken down into tears.
ALTAMOUNT TOWERS, MUMBAI
11.15 PM
Kukki's Room
Kukki and Rishabh laid on Kukki's bed. Kukki hugged her father, her eyes closed while Rishabh's sleepy eyes struggled to stay open as he read an office report on his tab.
"Papaaa.." said Kukki.
Rishabh was a bit surprised hearing her voice. He looked at his daughter and asked her "Kukki, you are still awake? I thought aap so gaye ho. It's late now, you should be sleeping"
"I have a question, Papa"
Rishabh chuckled and kept his tab aside and slipped inside the blanket thinking 'my girl and her questions'
Rishabh laid on his side facing his daughter and said "What's the question?"
Kukki, kissed his forehead and asked, "Will we ever meet Prerna Mamma again, like we did in Calcutta?"
Rishabh caressed her hair and spoke, making circles on her cheek with his thumb. "Princess, honestly, Papa doesn't know if we'll meet your Prerna Mamma again. Is baar bhi to humein nahi pata tha that you two will meet"
"Does that mean we might never meet her again?"
"Not really, like I said we don't know yet. You might, you might not. It'll be a surprise and I know how much my girl likes surprises" Kukki broke into laughter as he tickled her.
"I miss her Papa.."
"It's alright to miss.." Rishabh kissed her hand and said "it's very late, you must sleep now. Don't forget you signed a promise letter that you'd sleep on time. I am still your boss, and my dear little lady if you break the rules then you might lose your job. That means no office.. soch lijiye.."
Kukki frowned but Rishabh just shrugged his shoulder and said "rules are rules.."
"Okay. BOSS PAPA.." Rishabh smiled and took her into his embrace.
After a few moments of silence, she spoke again "Papa.."
"Kukki.."
Without giving much care to his objection, she continued, "Prerna Mamma to Adi Uncle ki bhi friend hai, he must know when we can meet her again, right?"
"Maybe.. I dunno princess.."
"Papa.."
"Hmmm…"Rishabh closed his eyes, slowly drifting into sleep.
"Prerna Mamma Anurag uncle ki bhi friend thi, wo Adi uncle ki bhi friend hai.."
"Right baby, she can be friends with anyone she wants. Now sleep" he began tapping her back to put her to sleep.
"Wo aapki friend kyu nahi hain? Agar wo aapki bhi friend hoti to aapko bhi pata hota when she will meet me.. right?"
"Right, but we both know, we are not friends so let's just sleep. Papa ko bhuat neend aa rahi hai princess. And you should sleep too.."
"Okay. And sorry… we will talk tomorrow.. Sweet dreams Papa.." she snuggled next to her dad, hiding her head in his chest.
"Sweet Dreams baby.." he said and thought 'Sorry Kukki, Papa doesn't always have answers to all your questions'
NEXT DAY
ACHARYA FOUNDATION, CALCUTTA
11.30 am
"I am so happy for you Prerna. Finally I can see that lost glow on your face" said Bandana and hugged Prerna.
"This is all because you, Ms. Acharya and this beautiful place, that has always shown a way to so many lost souls. I can never forget the day I met Ayesha and she offered me this role. And then I met you, all the beautiful people of Basanti, and so many others like Aditya, Moni-Jagat. A special thanks to you for introducing me to two strong individuals like the Sahay couple. I am no more scared of the outcome, rather am more excited about the journey now. So thank you so much"
"My father created this place to empower and make people capable enough that they can take their own decisions. Tum to pehle se hi itni samajhdar ho.. bas thodi der ke liye you got lost. But looking at you now I can say, you have a great life ahead of you. Just trust yourself and you'd be fine, I promise. And don't you ever forget Acharyas or Basanti. You have to visit us whenever you are in Calcutta.. okay?" said Bandana.
"Of course, how can I not? I'd have come even if you banned me. This place holds such a special place in my life Ms. Acharya. It gave me an identity, a purpose that really never existed in my life" said Prerna, overwhelmed.
"Are you all set to move to Mumbai? Aditya se baat kar li? If you need any help, don't hesitate. Okay?"
"I am still processing everything to be honest. I wanted to meet you once before I spoke to Aditya. Aaj shaam ko I am planning to talk to him, isliye socha pehle aapse aur sab logo se ek baar mil lu. And yes, if you don't mind can I join you for the field visit to Basanti in the afternoon please?"
"Of course Prerna. Jao abhi sab se mil lo; we will leave for Basanti at 1.30, after lunch. Till then have fun. Meet Ayesha once, she has taken over all your work for the time being, just in case she has any questions for you."
"Sure. See you at 1.30" Prerna left the cabin and Bandana got busy with her work.
BI HQ, NARIMAN POINT, MUMBAI
2.30 PM
Rishabh's cabin
Rishabh was on a call, while Kukki finished her homework sitting on a chair opposite his. There was still some time left for her personal tutor to come.
Mr. Mehra knocked on the door that grabbed Rishabh's attention and he nodded asking him to come inside. Rishabh with his hand gestured, that he needed a moment. Mr. Mehra sat next to Kukki and said "Good Afternoon Kukki. What are you doing?"
"Mr. Mehra, this is the office.. I am Ms. Bajaj here" Mr. Mehra wasn't really surprised as he looked at his boss, who was completely engrossed on the phone call and then his mini replica.
"Very sorry Ms. Bajaj, I forgot. What are you doing?"
"My math homework. Would you please check if I did all my sums correct? Papa Boss is too busy" she giggled as she looked at her father.
"Sure, let me check" Mehra got busy checking her work, while Kukki walked around the table before stopping behind Rishabh's chair. He knew she was there, he reached out to her and brought her in front of him, still on the phone call.
Rishabh lifted his eyebrows to ask what she was upto. Kukki nodded her head saying nothing. Rishabh messed up her hair and she kissed him before walking away to grab her chair next to Mehra. They both spent a long time talking to each other with signs and gestures, so much that they never needed words to communicate.
"Ms. Bajaj all your sums are right, except one" said Mehra, sliding the notebook towards Kukki to draw her attention towards the wrong sum. Rishabh was off the call and smiled at how Mehra was busy explaining and Kukki gave him, her undivided attention. A knock on his door, brought him out of his thoughts.
"Yes Ms. Nayak.."
"Sir, the tutor is waiting in conference room 1"
"Okay, you can drop her and meeting room in 15 minutes. Thanks.."
"Kukki, your tutor is here, grab your stuff and go with Ms. Nayak. See you in some time" he helped her with the bag and kissed her, before she left with Nidhi.
"She is very smart, Sir" said Mehra. Rishabh just smiled.
"So Mehra, what brought you here?" said Rishabh taking his seat.
"Sir, first Turkey Hills is doing way better than expected after the entire clear drink war with Thrive and we are now in a process of revising our targets to make the best out of this opportunity" said Mehra.
"That's great. Schedule a review meeting before implementing the new strategies. Tell Ms. Nayak to coordinate with BICP and Bangalore staff"
"Sure.. it will be done.." said Mr. Mehra.
"Good, What's the other thing?"
"Sir, it's about SBC News Network, one of the biggest and most trusted online News Network in the USA. I have come to know through my sources that SBC is keen on expanding to South Asia and if the sources are to be believed they are very keen to begin with India. Operations and teams will be independent of its US counterpart, keeping it more relevant to Indian market. So, this could be a great opportunity for BI to enter News media. We already have a huge presence in terms of reader/viewership within and outside India and they brings credible experience in journalism. So I see it as a fruitful partnership"
Rishabh was quietly hearing Mr. Mehra all this while. Rishabh got up and paced behind his chair, thinking.
"What are you thinking Sir, anything wrong with the proposal.." asked Mr. Mehra.
"No. NO.. Mehra.. Proposal has got a lot of potential"
"Then what's bothering you?" asked Mehra.
"We are leaders in the publication business, both offline and online with great growth every year. But I am not sure if I am too excited about puttting my hands, into real news and journalism. We both know it's a different game. Our publications may or may not entertain our market, I am also not saying that we publish nothing that's rubbish. I have read some hideous stuff put out by our partners but under no circumstances they cause damage to anyone. But that's not the case with News Mehra, one wrong piece of news can cause irreversible damages. Especially, now when fake news sell more than the real one, because it's fun"
"I agree with you Sir. I don't have to go too far, I have seen you go through so much because of all that's said about you and our business in the news. But I have done my research on SBC, they are all about real journalism, often they publish articles busting fake news. They are on the list of media houses, disliked the most by the Trump administration because they have often questioned his problematic policies and decisions, I think that speaks a lot about their work" both Rishabh and Mr. Mehra couldn't help but smile.
"Also Sir, aajkal jis tarah se Fake news is so prevalent, I think it's the best time to emerge as a credible alternative, one that presents the correct version, the real version" said Mr. Mehra.
"I don't know Mehra, have seen so many lives getting ruined, I am just not very sure" said Rishabh, taking his seat back.
"I understand. I have a suggestion, let me initiate this talk and fix a meeting. Aap ek baar mil lijiye, agar tab bhi aap sure nahi hain to we can always stop. I don't think there should be any problem with initial talks. Waise bhi it's going to be a long way, before it all begins on ground. So.. jaisa aap kahenge, I will do the same."
After giving a deep thought Rishabh said, "You know what Mehra, you are right. There is no harm with the initial talks. Proceed with your plan, then we will see how to go about it. (He looked at his watch) Mehra I have a meeting in the next 5 mins. I will see you later and keep me posted on this. For time being this should remain between us"
"Sure, Thank you Sir"
Rishabh wore his jacket and both left the cabin.
SHARMA NIWAS, CALCUTTA
7.30 pm
Living Room
Prerna entered her house, after a long day spent at Basanti, busy on a call with Aditya. She smiled at Shivani who sat on the couch working on her college assignment, her sister didn't respond. Prerna kept her bag on the coffee table and dropped on the couch next to hers.
Aditya was alone in his office, going through the never ending reports. Running his hand through his messed up hair and said, "You having fun at Basanti and yaha I am totally swamped with work (he sighed). New staff is still getting a hang of it. Tanvi is helping me but the poor girl has to manage both AMRA and BI. There is only a little I could ask her for"
Prerna smiled as she could imagine him working alone in a dimly lit office. She recalled the evening she saw Rishabh and Kukki, when Aditya managed to bring Menaka and Rishabh together on her suggestion. Prerna still regretted making that suggestion.
"By the way I didn't call just to discuss my Basanti trip with you. There is something else" said Prerna.
Aditya, leaning back in his chair and said "You know Prerna, there is only one thing that can excite me at this moment"
"And what is that?" She guessed it but waited for him to confirm if she guessed it right.
"Well, I so wish my best team member planned to come back here, and rescued me somehow" he faked a sigh.
"You never know, kya pata…."
Aditya sat up straight in excitement, "What? please tell me you are planning to join AMRA.. say that Prerna.. Say it now.."
Prerna broke into a laughter, this irritated Shivani. Shivani picked up her stuff and went back to her room. Prerna noticed but didn't react.
"Yes, I want to join AMRA again Aditya, only if you still are okay with it"
"Are you crazy?" Aditya got up from his chair and excitedly paced around his cabin. "You are asking me if I am okay with it. This is the best thing that has happened in the whole day today.. I am so excited. I can already see all our project implementation with speed and accuracy. Now I even have a great team to support you. RB and Tanvi, have been working too hard on this. I am sure they will also be very excited.."
"Aditya calm down please, will you. Mujhe chane ke jhaad par mat chadaiye please, I still have a lot to learn. And don't tell anyone about it now. I want to surprise my little friend Kukki. How is she? And how is..umm.. (Prerna hesitated a bit) how is Mr. Bajaj?" She closed her eyes like she was caught stealing. She didn't want to make it too obvious as she had often been asking about him lately.
She crossed her finger hoping she wasn't caught on this and waited for his reply.
"They are both good (Prena took a deep sigh of relief that he didn't read too much in her question). Let's keep it a secret for now, Kukki will be excited. Aaj hi she asked, when can she meet her friend Prerna. Sweet child"
Prerna's eyes glistened as she heard about Kukki, "She is the sweetest"
"By the way, when do you plan to come? I will make all the arrangements. I will have to look for a place for you to live as a hotel doesn't make sense because you'd be here for a long duration, hopefully" said Aditya.
"Thank you so much, but please No. You don't have to do anything, I request. I want to manage everything on my own, like any other person. You did a lot for me last time. Is baar let me handle things, otherwise how will I learn" said Prerna.
"You know Prerna this is what's so good about you. I promise I'd do nothing, but I will give you HR's number. Connect with her and she can guide you to find a place to live. I won't get involved, does that work?"
"That sounds great! Thank you so much. I am planning to reach there by Saturday, next week. I wanna make sure I am available for Acharya for smooth transitioning of my work.."
"Sure, that's perfect. (Aditya checked his watch) you know what Prerna, I have a dinner meeting with Menaka. If I don't leave now, I may never reach. So you take care, let me know if you need anything. And welcome onboard with AMRA, again. Catch up later"
"Thank you so much. Talk to you soon" said Prerna and within seconds Aditya texted HR's number. She checked the message, looking at her phone with a wide smile. She didn't realise her mom had joined her on the other couch.
"Khush rha karo, aise hi acchi lagti ho" Prerna lifted her head to look at her Mom. She got up and sat next to her, hugging her tightly.
"All thanks to you. Main samajh sakti hu aapke liye easy nahi hai, but I will never forget ki ye aapne mere liye kiya. Maine aaj Bandana aunty aur Aditya, dono se baat kar li"
"Kab jane ka plan kiya hai?" asked Veena.
"Next Saturday.." said Prerna.
"Theek hai, hum help kar denge tumhari. Bas bata dena" Prerna hugged her Mom again.
Shivani from the kitchen heard the conversation and threw the used glass in the basin, making a loud sound, showing her frustration and disagreement. Prerna and Veena looked back at Shivani. As soon as shivi vanished into her room, they both broke into a silent laugh.
"Gussa hai abhi, theek ho jayegi.." said Veena.
"Sach batau Maa, mujhe nahi lagta wo kabhi samajh payegi. Par koi baat nahi.. main wait karungi, shayad ek din aaye jab wo meri baat samajhegi.. jaise aapne samjhi.. Aap tension mat lijiye, main thodi dukhi zarur hu, but uske liye koi bad feelings nahi hai mere andar"
"Maa main thodi der mein freshen up hoke aati hu. Aur aaj ka dinner main banaungi, aap chahe to help kar sakti hain.. main abhi aayi" Prerna picked up her bag and rushed to her room.
ALTAMOUNT TOWERS, MUMBAI
11.45pm
Masi grabbed a water bottle from the refrigerator and headed to her room to retire for the day. However, she stopped in her tracks when she saw some light peeping from under the door of a room, that no one used, since they returned to this house. She was curious but she headed toward Kukki's room instead. Kukki was peacefully sleeping holding her huge teddy. When she didn't find Rishabh in the room, it didn't take her much time to realise it could be no one else but but him in that room.
Masi stood outside the room and after a short debate with herself, she decided to enter the room. She turned the knob and slowly opened the door. Lights were off, only of lighting in the room was the open window on the opposite wall. Rishabh stood next to it, with a photo in his hand he stared up at the sky. She looked around as she was in this room after years. Nothing had changed, it was the same like they left it, almost 6 years back. Taking slow steps, she stood next to Rishabh and her eyes followed Rishabh's.
"Rani ko miss kar rahe ho? Hum bhi bhaut miss karte hain usey.."
Rishabh was so lost all this while that he had no idea when Masi came and stood next to her. He came out of thoughts with Masi's voice.
"Masi, aap.. aap soyi nahi ab tak?"
"So gaye the. Pani lene aye to, is room se halki si light dikhayi di. Isliye yaha aa gaye.." said Masi looking up at the starry sky. "Kash wo hoti humare sath yaha, dekh pati uske bete ne apne dam par kya kuch nahi kar liya. Aur Kukki, uski aur Kukki ki bonding to duniya mein sabse alag hoti. Rani would have been the coolest grandmother"
Rishabh took a deep sigh and said "What's the use Masi.. I had nothing when she needed it the most. I could do absolutely nothing when she died a painful death, (he raised his hands) right here in my arms.."
Masi kept her hand on his shoulder and said, "Tum chhotey bacche the tab Rishabh. Jab hum bade hi kuch nahi kar paye uske liye, to tum kaise.. Stop beating for yourself for this... aur karte bhi tab agar wo kuch batati.. Tum bhaut kuch uske jaise ho, but uski ek adat sabse buri thi, aur wahi aadat tum mein bhi hai. Shayad usi se mili hai.. na tum kisi se kuch kehte ho aur nahi kabhi usne kabhi kuch kaha. Kitna kuch saha usne par sab andar hi rakha. Itna ki she never told us that she was so sick.. we had no idea, till her last day. Batati to shayad hum kuch kar paate.."
"Ye bhi to meri hi wajah se na Masi. The time she should have undergone a treatment and taken rest, she was slogging herself day and night to put up food on the table, to send me to school, save some money for my future... Masi do you remember the only time she raised her hand on me? Aur uske baad khud 2 din tak kuch khaya nahi, to punish herself"
"Yaad hai. Tum chawl ke kisi aur bacche ke sath news paper sell karke kuch paise laye the. Gusse mein hath uth gaya uska, aur tum rote rote humare ghar aaye the... Sab yaad hai"
Rishabh smiled remembring the entire incident. "Maar khana to jaise routine tha ud waqt, par Mom ne pehli baar... isliye rona aa gaya tha.."
"Wo nahu chahti tum itni si age mein kaam karo. She wanted a normal life for you, jaise har 7 saal ke bacche ki hoti hai. Tumhare liye to sab karti thi wo"
"I know Masi.. unhe mere aage kuch dikhayi hi kaha deta tha. She used to always say, Rishabh life mein sabse important education hai, you can achieve anything under the sky if you have good education"
"She wanted me to get to a place where no one could even dream to touch or harm me or anyone close to me again, like HE did (Rishabh took a deep breath).. Maine wo sab kiya bhi jo wo chahti thi Masi, but she was never there to see any of it."
"Tab mujhe lagta tha jaise, Mom mere through kuch pa lena chahti thi. Kuch aisa that she couldn't do herself.. but jab mujhe pata chala wo kya chahti thi, tab tak it was way too late. She left us all. Unki wo ek wish became the reason for my existence. I crossed every moral and immoral boundary, to give her what she wished for till her last breath. I even ended up harming my own daughter.. (he paused) I couldn't afford to lose Kukki, the only person who is mine, a part of me.. just mine because of my revenge.. I hope Mom understands and forgives me.. I really she isn't disappointed for not fulfulling her only wish.."
Rishabh looked at Masi, his cold eyes glistening in the light of the Moon.
"Hum ye to nahi jante Rani ki aisi kya wish thi, jiski wajah se tumhare aur Basus ke beech mein... par I can say this without any doubt that she understands.. she does. In fact jitna hamne Rani ko jana hai.. she is nothing but proud of you. What you are to Kukki is what she always wanted to be for you, but life wasn't fair to her. Isliye tumhe acchi life dene ki hope mein, she was ready to lead a life as hell as that. But hum mein se koi future to nahi read kar sakta jo wo kar pati"
"Waise kaise achanak yaad aayi Rani ki? Kuch hua hai kya?" asked Masi.
"Unki yaad to hamesha aati hai, bas aaj yaha aane ka mann kia.. isliye chala aya. I wish Mom is room mein reh pati. Unki cheeze to hain yahan but phir bhi…"
None of them spoke a word for sometime and kept looking outside the window.
Breaking the deafening silence of the room, Masi spoke "Agar yahan rukna chahte ho to hum Kukki ke pass so jayenge"
"Thanks Masi, but aap aram so jaiye. Main ja raha hu Kukki ke pass in a while.."
Masi pressed her lips into a smile and left. Rishabh moved away from the window towards the side table next to the bed, that no one ever used. He kept the Photo frame on the side table and walked towards the door. He gave one last look at the room before closing it and headed towards Kukki's room.
SHARMA NIWAS, CALCUTTA
12.30 am
Prerna's Room
Prerna was so happy that she couldn't sleep that night out of excitement. Excitement to see her daughter again, meet her, touch her, hug her, hear her share things with her like she did when she visited Acharya's.
Prerna turned on the other side, when Rishabh's words rang inside her mind.
"I don't mind you meeting Kukki if you end up facing each other like today. Neither do I have any problem if you came down to meet her. But do you think it's good for her?"
She tossed again. "What if Mr. Bajaj doesn't allow me to meet her? He didn't really look okay with the idea. No, he won't object, aisa hota to, he would have refused to let me meet her on Foundation Day Celebration. What if he didn't object because of Aditya and everyone around, but Mumbai mein he doesn't let me.. aghhh.."
She sat up straight in her bed, with her head between her hands. "No prerna, you got to stop thinking about this now. Mumbai jaane ke baare mein soch, think of AMRA.. jo tere control mein hai uske baare mein soch, wo nahi jo tere control ke bahar hai. Aur is time to kuch bhi mat soch, chup chap soja.."
She dropped her head back on the pillow on her side and covered her face with another pillow.
A WEEK LATER
CALCUTTA AIRPORT
SATURDAY
1.30 pm
After week long preparation, Prerna stood outside the departures with all her family members. Soon they were joined by Bandana and Ayesha too, to see her off for a new beginning.
Bandana, gifted her an album that had a collection of some of the moments spent at Acharyas and Basanti. Whereas Ayesha, gifted her a journal filled with messages and wishes from the staff and Basanti kids. Prerna was so overwhelmed that she couldn't stop her tears, failing to contain her happiness.
"Priyu, ab rona band karo aur ye journey khushi ke sath shuru karo" said Shekar, and everyone agreed. Shivani stood in a corner lost in her thoughts.
"Priyudi, aapko ab andar jana chahiye. It's time" said Mahesh and hugged his sister. "All the best di" said Suman.
Prerna met everyone and finally stood in front of Shivani. She held her hands and looking into her eyes she said, "Tum wish nahi karogi Shivi? Phir pata nahi next kab milenge. Jane se pehle ek hug to banta hai… Nahi?"
Shivani's eyes welled up and she tightly hugged her sister. "I will miss you Di" Prerna rubbed her back to calm her down and said, "I will miss you too"
Prerna broke the hug and wiped her sister's tears "Humare thoughts kitne bhi alag kyu na ho jaye Shivi, par ye kabhi mat bhoolna hum sabse pehle sisters hai uske baad hi sab kuch ata hai. Kabhi baat karne ka mann kare ya koi bhi help chahiye to please ek second ke liye bhi hesitate mat karna.. okay?"
Shivani nodded her head, while Prerna wiped her tears. "That's much better" said Prerna.
"Maa.. chalu?"
"Haan beta. Aur phonchte hi call zarur karna. Dhyan rakhna apna." Veena kissed Prerna.
"I will Maa.. ab chalti hu" Prerna pushed her luggage trolley and entered the departure gates. She turned back once and waived at everyone before vanishing away from every one's eyes. Veena said a small prayer for her daughter before everyone headed back to their places.
Part 25- Page 100 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/153319266
Link to other stories-
I AM HOME (One Shot)- completed
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/153085293
THE MIRROR (Two Chapters)- completed
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/152168455
EPIPHANY (5 chapters)- Completed
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/152039413
Edited by Sunn_shine - 3 years agoOk, I felt bad for Menaka & even more bad for Adi.
I feel soo happy reading that you felt bad for Menaka. You are the first person to say so..hahaa.
She really wants to come back in RB's life. Even if it's as a mother to Kukki. She is so desperate that she emotionally made him weak taking Ara's name.
Menaka is no sacrificing kinds. She'd go to any length so get what she wants..her love for Rishabh and Kukke is not adulterated with any wrong intentions, but if required she wouldn't hesitate much before taking a wrong path be needed.
All rational words said by Adi didn't impact her and finally, like as always, she succeeded in convincing him. I hope she doesn't screw up this time. It would not only cause her a final closure to her wish but also all that Adi got back after 10 years will be lost. I really hope his decision doesn't impact in a negative way.
She is on a mission right now. She is done thinking rationally and no more wants to pretend that she is over Him because he isn't.. and she is ready to bet anything..
Hahaha...I know, most of the readers will not feel anything for Menaka. But as of now, I am reading it as a neutral person, though I want a PreRish ending. Both Menaka & Prerna did mistakes and so they are not in Bajaj & Kukki's life. We don't know what Meenaka did in the past, but for now, they both have equal chances to be back in Bajaj's life.
I know one day Menaka would do something, will take a wrong path to get Bajaj back in her life, then I would bash her.
