FIGHT AGAINST DESTINY-PreRishFF Thd#4 Ch-36 Pg-62 4thAug DTRem. P - Page 48

Kal ayega update. 😏

Because I asked her to add some part. Sorry I am to be blamed for this entirely 😌🤗☺️🤭🤭🤭

Dear meenu ke readers

100% aj update ayega. 😀 It's done dana done done done. 😀

Dear meenu ke readers

100% aj update ayega. 😀 It's done dana done done done. 😀

Finally the update is coming

Good news finally came 🥳🥳🥳

Hello Amazing People🤗

Remember me??? 😊 I'd be honest I felt like a lost child with what happened with the show and I am still in a similar state. I made an effort to continue but I was so unsure that I needed some assurance that I wrote something worth your time. Thanks to WaqtZaya, MishtyShona and Dusk2dawn who came to my rescue and shared their views and pushed me to write even if it was nothing but nonsense :)

I know you have been waiting for Rishabh to wake up, but I promise he will in the next one. Though this chapter is majorly from the POV of Prerna but Menaka too will take us back in time in this update, again pushing Prerna in the direction she should. Like always I'll leave on you to decide..

Thank you very much for your patience and tolerating me all this while.

Thank you all in advance!

Love❤️

Sunshine

Prerna was aimlessly running through the corridor to look for an open space to breath in some fresh air, as she had no idea about the building. She didn't even notice that she crossed Mr. Mehra.

"Mrs. Bajaj.."

She heard a known voice and stopped in her tracks. 'Mrs. Bajaj…' she whispered as she turned. There was a storm brewing inside her.

"Where are you going?" Asked Mr. Mehra, who looked at her with concern.

She took fast steps towards him and asked "Was he ever happy in those 3 months we spent tied in that marriage Mr. Mehra?"

Mehra's look was enough to say that he was a bit clueless.

"Was I any good as Mrs. Bajaj? Did I do anything right? How many times did he tell you that it was his biggest mistake to bring me to his daughter's and his life? Did I… (she hesitated and looked away) Did I ever give him a reason to be happy?

She looked back at Mehra with hopeful eyes to hear an 'Yes'. "Did I ever make him smile, even if it was just for a moment Mr. Mehra?"

Mehra was about to speak but she stopped him. "I know the answer Mr. Mehra. How would you know anyway. I need fresh air Mr. Mehra"

"The terrace" said Mehra, pointing towards the lift, on her right side.

"Thank you!" Said Prerna and dragged her feet towards the lift.

A content smile broke on Mehra's face as his eyes followed her walking in the opposite direction towards the lift. 'To answer your questions- No, he never wanted to break free from that marriage. You gave him more than just a moment of happiness or smile. You gave him the peace that has been missing in his life. You grounded him, like he was 5 years back. You have no idea Mrs. Bajaj, but you have no idea how your presence brought back the Rishabh missing for the past 5, now 6 years since he moved back to London. Wish you had heard him in the study that night or seen him when you got him out of jail. You didn't notice it then, but now you have all the time in the world. You are moving in the right direction Mrs. Bajaj'

Mr. Mehra came out of his reverie as his phone vibrated in his pocket.

CHAPTER 36

Before he received the call, he heard her voice again and looked back at Prerna who stood a few steps short of the lift.

"Mr. Mehra, could you do me a favour? Please give me a call as soon as you hear about him. Please.." said Prerna, wiping the last trace of tears off her face.

Mehra nodded and walked away talking over the phone.

"Yes Nidhi.. hold all his appointments for next week too.. Yeah, his condition is way too serious than anticipated. He had a rebleed.. Nidhi, don't panic.. doctors said it was expected.. please manage things in the office and call me for any help.. I'll keep you posted.." Prerna could hear Mr. Mehra's concerned voice, fading as he walked away from her, while she waited for the lift. She had seen Nidhi at the office a day before, hence, just by the little that she heard she could guess how tensed Nidhi must have been at the office.

She tilted her head up and said a little prayer in her mind. 'Please make him alright, so many people need him.. especially Kukke..'

As soon as the lift doors opened; she was greeted by the liftman with a smile. She wanted to smile back but she couldn't. She was too tired and didn't even try. The man in his early 50's was used to meeting lost souls worried for their loved ones dealing with some or the other issue, hence, he understood her reaction and just asked "Which floor, Beta?"

"Terrace please" said Prerna and the liftman quietly followed the instructions. The lift moved and she looked at the digital panel to see how many floors she had to move. To her surprise it was a huge building with a terrace above the 12th floor, something she didn't notice when she had arrived with Mr. Mehra.

Seeing her worried and lost, staring at the floor, the liftman casually questioned her to distract her, "Beta aapke relative hain yahan?"

'Yes.. My hus.. (she paused) My frie.. (she paused again).. My daughter's fathe.. My boss.. I don't know. Why is he asking me such a difficult question?' words died inside her and all she said was "haan!!"

"Aapke husband?" He asked and Prerna looked at him with surprise, rather with shock.

'What made him think so?? Why did he..' she looked at him trying to frame a sentence. 'I don't even wear anything that could say I am married? Why did he say husband? Why not anything else?'

Looking at her eyes scanning his face like she was trying to find some answers, the liftman spoke. "I see many worried faces here everyday, and aapko dekhke I can surely say, you are a wife worried for her husband"

She was not very comfortable hearing all this from a stranger but she didn't dislike it either. 'Jiske baare mein main ab khud sure nahi hu, how can he say it with so much surety?' She thought but said nothing to stop him or agree or disagree with him.

"Worried hu, but wife? Shayad wife hone jaisa kabhi kuch nahi kiya hai maine.." she thought, still staring at the man, with regret visible on her face.

Liftman misunderstood her regret with discomfort because of his small talk to her. "I am sorry beta, agar zyada bol diya hai to. Yeh job hi aisi hai, is chhote se chamber mein chup chap baithe rehna, upar neeche karte rehna, kisi se baat na kar pana. Isiliye kabhi kabhi aise hi hum bol jaate hai. Agar aapko bura laga hai to very sorry. Waise terrace aa gaya hai"

Prerna was so lost in what he said that she failed to notice the lift had come to a halt. Within seconds, bright light peeked inside, as the doors opened, hurting her already burning eyes; she blinked a few times adjusting to the bright sun.

As she stepped out of the lift, she heard him again. "Please don't worry beta, this is one of the best hospitals. Aapke husband jaldi hi theek ho jayenge. Yahan ke doctors bhaut hi qabil hain"

Before she could say anything the lift doors closed, but she noticed his name tag before his smiling face vanished. "I don't know you Mr. Rehan Khan, but you are doing a great service. Aapki ye thodi se baatein shayad pareshan logo ko kuch der ke liye hi sahi but ek hope to deti hongi.. Thank you!!' She thought, still staring at the closed doors.

She turned on her heels and walked a short corridor that ended at a glass door. She pushed the doors just to be welcomed by a hot breeze and sounds of several exhausts, boilers and ac outdoor units functioning relentlessly to keep the building functioning. Though the surroundings were harsh than the comfort of cool and silent building, standing in an open space did make her feel better. She looked around and found a spot with slight shade next to the huge water tank. She sat on the lower steps of the iron ladder, connected to the tank and blankly stared at the city ahead of her.

Sitting on the ladder, Prerna was thinking about what Masi said to her a while back in the recovery room.

'Why are you here Prerna? Usey ye jatane ki kaise wo zimmedar hai tumhari shaadi na hone ke liye, tumhari life ki problems ke liye?'

'Par jo guilt uske dimaag mein tumhari wajah se baith gaya hai ki uske jane ke baad jo kuch bhi bura hua tumhare sath uske liye wo responsible hai, wo kaise niklega. He thinks he destroyed your life'

'Tum itni shanti se yaha kaise baith sakti ho? Masi ne itna kuch kaha tumhe, tumne jawab tak nahi diya. Gussa nahi aa rha tumhe? Wo kaise itna kuch.. Galat kya kaha unhone? (She thought) Ohh ab tumhe unki baaton mein kuch galat bhi nahi dikh raha? Sach hi kaha unhone jo bhi kaha. Sab mere aas paas ho raha tha, main khud bhi kar rahi thi. Unhone wahi kaha jo dekha. Unki jagah khud ko rakh kar dekhu to wo apni jagah sahi hain. Pyaar karti hain wo Mr. Bajaj se. Par.. (she shut her eyes to put her inner voice away) Bas ab aur nahi. (She took a deep breath and leaned back at the ladder) Just let me be for sometime. Aur kuch nahi sunna hai. Thak gayi hu main. So please stop.' there was comforting silence for some time as soon as she shut all her thoughts..

RECOVERY ROOM

4.00 PM

Masi was all alone inside the room, after Prerna left. She was pacing across the room thinking about her recent conversations and meetings with Prerna.

'Main yahan Kukki ke liye aayi thi Masi, jo galat kiya wo theek karna chahti thi. Main kisi se ye kehne nahi aayi ki jo bhi aap sabke jane ke baad hua, uske liye aap ya koi bhi zimmedar hai' (Prerna)

'Agar unhe aisa lagta hai ki that he is responsible then I promise Masi, I will do everything I can to get that thought out of his mind because it's not true'

'Rishabh sahi keh raha tha ki kuch to alag hai Prerna mein is baar. Pata nahi, Prerna pehle se sach mein badal gayi hai ya bas humein hi aise lag raha hai. Jis haq se humse baat ki usne kal raat aur aaj bhi, wo pehle jaisa nahi hai.. Kal raat se jis tarah se wo sabka khayal rakh rahi hai, especially Kukke aur Rishabh ka, usne aisa sirf Anurag ke liye.."

'Bhaut galatiyan kar chuki hun. Bhaut hurt kiya hai maine un sabhi ko jinhone mujhe pyaar kiya, respect di. Phir chahe meri khud ki family ya aap sab, especially Kukki and Mr. Bajaj. I won't let any more wrong happen'

"Kya sach mein Prerna badal gayi hai? Kya sahi mein usey bhi apni galtiyon ka ehsas ho gaya hai? Kahin aaj humne usey kuch zyada to nahi keh diya? Nahi, nahin, wo badal hi nahin sakti. Yeh sab sirf isiliye because Anurag yaha nahi hai, jaise hi Mr. Basu wapas aate hain, I am sure ek minute nahi lagega Prerna ko pehle jaisa hone mein. Nahi, hum na usey pehle trust karte the aur na ab kar sakte hain. Hum ek baar phir se apne bacchon ko hurt hone nahi denge kisi bhi haal mein…"

Rastogi entered the room and found Masi moving back and forth inside the room. She was clearly tensed. "Shardaji, aap aise kyu chakkar laga rahi hain room mein" Rastogi's voice brought her out of her reverie.

Masi stopped in her tracks and asked "Rastogiji, ab kaisa hai Rishabh?"

"Everything went as per the plan. I have brought the best on the team, he is in safe hands. Rishabh theek ho jayega. Itni tension lene ki zarurat nahi hai.." Rastogi tried to assure her.

"Thank you Rastogiji. Hum bata bhi nahi sakte us raat kaisa feel hua tha. Agar aap sab nahi hote to hum akele kaise sab handle karte hum shayad soch bhi nahi sakte." said Masi, feeling overwhelmed.

"Aapko thank you kehne ki bilkul zarurat nahi hai. Rani mujhe Rastogi Dada keh ke bulati thi. Bete ke jaisa hai wo mera, in fact beta hi hai. Anyway abhi kuch hours under observation rahega. Aap please maniye meri baat, Kukke aur Aap ghar chale jayiye aur rest kijiye. Yahan hain hum log. Waise bhi raat ko we can allow one person at the max inside with him. To yahan rukne ka koi fayda nahi hai. Trust me he will need you all more while recovering than now. So it's better aap log ghar jayein aur rest karein" said Rastogi, with an assuring smile.

"Hum jante hain Rastogiji. Hum aap ko poori tarah se trust karte hain, but.." before she could complete they heard the door open. Both Masi and Rastogi turned to look at the door, and they heard Kukke's voice.

"Dadi Masi, Papa??" Kukke had returned from the library with Menaka.

Rastogi took her into his arms and said "Papa ko abhi bhaut sara rest chahiye, so we have kept in a special room so that nobody can disturb him"

"Doctor Uncle? He will be fine, right? When will he wake up? I want to talk to him" Kukke threw all her questions at him. "I miss him" Kukke's longing to be with her father was visible to everyone present in that room. Almost everyone knew how hard Kukke was trying to keep up, but moments like these made her show her restlessness.

"He will be up very soon. Aap unse jitna chaho utni baatein kar sakte ho. For now he needs rest. (Rastogi smiled at her) Waise uncle to main aapke dad ka hun, to aapka to dadu hua na.. I'd love to hear you call me Dadu" Rastogi's words distracted her a bit and put her into her thinking mode. Rastogi couldn't take his eyes off the innocent face of Kukke; he knew she was up to something.

Finally Kukke spoke, "In that case, I have a deal for you"

Rastogi crooked his brows, intrigued by her. "A Deal?? What kind of deal?"

"I will call you Dadu, if you take me to Papa now" Kukke's eyes stared at him hoping her offer was good enough to buy a few moments with her dad. Rastogi wasn't surprised knowing the bond that Kukke and Rishabh shared.

Kukke noticed a bit of reluctance on Rastogi's face and said with a pleading voice. "Just once, please. I haven't met him since morning. I promise I will not touch any wires and I won't hurt him"

Rastogi lovingly kissed her and said "You can never hurt him beta. Aap aisa kabhi sochiye bhi mat. (He thought for a few seconds) So our deal, is it still on?"

"Yess" said Kukki.

"Alright, I like the offer," said Rastogi.

Kukke had a wide smile on her face and she hugged Rastogi and said "Thank you Doctor Dadu" Both Masi and Menaka had a content smile on their faces.

"Shardaji, I am sure just like her dad, Kukke will definitely be a great business woman when she grows up. Abhi se hi deals crack karna seekh liya hai (Kukke giggled in his arms as he tickled her a little). Kukke ko Rishabh se milake, I'll just be back" said Rastogi.

"Menaka ho sake to take them home for a night. Yahan rukne ka kuch fayda hota to I'd have asked you all to stay. Just give it a try. I will be back in sometime" said Rastogi.

"Theek hai Uncle, main baat karti hu Masi se" said Menaka and Rastogi left the room with Kukke.

TERRACE

4.15PM

'Masi ne jo kaha wo apni jagah hai par mujhe ye samajh nahi aa rha ki Mr. Bajaj ko aisa kyu lag raha hai ki woh meri problems ke liye responsible hain. Where did he get this thought from? Meri kis baat se unhe aisa laga? Ho sakta hai, this is because of what you lost; your child. He looked pretty genuine when he said, if you reached him he could have helped. Don't forget he even offered to look for Anurag. Hmm.. shayad yahi ho sakta hai. Jo bhi ho.. Main aisa hone hi nahi de sakti. I will have to talk to him as soon as he is awake. Masi se bhi promise kiya hai maine. Tumhe lagta hai tum kahogi aur woh maan jayenge? Jab tak nahi manenge main try karti...' phone vibrated in her hand breaking the chain of her thoughts. She expected it to be Mr. Mehra's call but it was her mother calling instead.

Clearing her throat she received the call. Before she could say a word she heard a worried voice of her mother.

"Priyu, beta tum kahan ho? Teen din se tumhe call karne ki koshish kar rahe hain, pehle switched off tha aur kal se tum phone utha nahi rahi ho. Sab theek to hai?" asked worried Veena.

"Maa main theek hu. Pune chali gayi thi aur uske baad mera phone kharab ho gaya tha. Aur kal shaam se (she closed her tired eyes and took a deep breath) kal shaam se hospital mein hu.."

Veena cut her off and asked "Hospital?? Wahan kaise? Kis liye? Tum theek ho na, beta??"

"Maa mujhe kuch nahi hua hai. Mr. Bajaj.. woh yahan hai tuesday raat se.."

"Kya hua unhe? Phir se tabiyat bigad gayi kya?" asked Veena; Prerna didn't fail to notice genuine concern of her mother.

"Wo last week se hi theek nahi the Maa. Aapko bataya tha na Pune mein jo hua tha. Tuesday night severe gastric bleeding hui and Masi got him here. Tab se hosh mein nahi aaye hain. He lost too much blood.. Aaj subah kuch der ke liye uthe the par bhaut pain mein the aur phir se bleeding bhi hui, doctors procedure ke liye leke gaye hain, abhi tak bahar nahi aaye hain.."

"Hey bhagwan, ye sab!!" Veena couldn't say much as she tried to grasp the whole new information.

"Haan Maa! Aditya aur Tanvi dono hi out of city hain; Masi aur Kukke akele hi the, jab ye sab hua. Isliye jaise hi mujhe pata chala main yahan aa gayi.." said Prerna.

"Acha kiya beta jo tum wahan ho. Is age mein Shardaji kitna sambhalengi, upar se chhoti bacchi bhi hai. Shardaji aur Kukke theek hain?" asked Veena.

"Is situation mein, jitna theek ho sakte hain utna theek hain. Masi tired hain aur Kukke.. Kukke usey kal se fever hai. Mr. Bajaj se dur rehna uskey liye kitna mushkil hai wo saaf dikhayi de raha hai. Har waqt yahi poochti rehti hai 'when she can meet her Papa' Hum sabhi usey distract rakhne ki koshish kar rahe hain, par phir bhi... Filhal Menaka hain uske sath. Menaka helped a lot Maa.."

"Hum samajh sakte hain Kukke ko kaisa lag raha hoga. Chhoti bacchi hai wo aur apne Papa se bhaut pyaar bhi karti hai. Sab theek ho jayega.." said Veena.

"Chhoti zaroor hai Maa but itni kam age mein bhi sab samajhti hai. Menaka ne shayad us se kaha ki Mr. Bajaj nahi chahte ki wo roye, aur uske aansoo aankhon tak aate zaroor par wahi rok deti hai. Bhaut koshish karti hai woh khud ko rokne ki par uske chehre se pata chal hi jata hai ki wo kitna miss kar rahi hai apane dad ko. She is mature and very brave too, ekdam apne Pa.." she stopped.

"Wo sab samajhti hai.. Jo samajhna chahiye woh bhi aur jo itni chhoti age mein usey nahi samajhna chahiye tha woh sab bhi' thought Prerna as she remembered all her talks about what happened in Calcutta and how it all impacted her emotionally.

"Hum samajh sakte hain. Par beta ye sab achanak kaise?" asked Veena.

"Achanak kuch nahi hua hai Maa. Maine bataya tha na Pune mein hi unki tabiyat kitni kharab thi. Wahan se zid karke aise hi chale aaye. Mumbai aake bhi he delayed seeing his doctor because of an important deal. He is very careless.. apna khayal rakhte hi.."

"Deal!!! Wahi na jiske bare mein kal kisi newspaper mein aya tha?" questioned Veena.

"Haan.. wahi.."

"Beta darahsal kal se hum yahi soch kar pareshan the ki kahi Shivi ne to tumse uske baare mein baat to nahi kar li, jiski wajah se tum naraz hokar humara phone nahi utha rahi ho.." Prerna noticed the hesitation in her mother's voice.

"Aap kya keh rahi hain. Main samjhi nahi. Aur Shivi.. us se meri koi baat nahi hui hai last week ke baad.. Baat kya hai Maa.."

"Beta kal kisi online portal par Shivi ne wo news pad li thi aur poore ghar mein hungama kar diya tha ki hum sabne tumhe wahan kyun jaane diya. Bas yahi kehti ja rahi thi Mr. Bajaj kitne galat hain aur kaise unhone ek baar phir galat tareeko se apne competitors se us land deal ko chheen.."

"Maa.. Woh sab galat hai. Ek ek shabd us article ka.. it's all a lie.. sirf jhooth.." said Prerna with a determined voice. She knew the truth and didn't like the idea that he was being misunderstood for something he didn't even do.

"Beta hum jante hain tum Kukke se bhaut pyaar karti ho and Mr. Bajaj uske Papa hain. Aisa bhi to ho sakta hai ki Shivi jo keh rahi hai wo sahi ho. Mr. Bajaj galat ho par tum dekhna nahi chah rahi ho. Zaroori nahi hai na ki woh ek bhaut ache pita hain to ache insaan bhi.."

"WO ACCHE NAHI, WORLD KE BEST FATHER HAIN MAA.. aur jahan tak baat hai ki woh kaise insaan hain, to bure nahin hain. Wo shayad alag hain, lekin bure nahin hain. Kal jo bhi Shivi ne us deal ke baare mein pada ya apako bataya, woh sab jhooth hai. Galat Mr. Bajaj ya BI nahi woh politicians the jo zabardasti woh land deal apne personal benefits ke liye dusre company ko de dena chahte the, jabki BI ke paas sare permission aur certifications they. Aur main aisa isliye nahi keh rahi kyunki kisi ne mujhe aisa kaha hai ya wo Kukke ke dad hain, but isliye keh rahi hun kyunki main khud maujood thi Mr. Bajaj ke cabin mein jab wo meeting hui, jiske baare mein un stupid reporters ne bakwaas print kiya hai. Aur tab I realised that he is not just the best father but wo best businessman bhi hain. Unke tareeke alag zarur hain, but apne business to grow or protect karna kahan se galat hua? Especially after following all the norms and rules"

"Abhi aapne kaha ki shayad main Kukke ki wajah se batein dekh nahi rahi hu ya ignore kar rahi hu, par reality iske opposite hai. Main shayad khud abhi tak bhaut achi tarah se nahi janti but blind nahi hu main. Dekh sakti hu unhe aur unke aas paas ke logo ko bhi. Kitna pyaar karte hain wo sabhi unse aur kya kuch nahi karte wo unke liye. Mana Kukke ko pyaar karte hain kyuki woh unki beti hai par Masi? Jinhe wo apni Mom ki tarah mante hain wo bas unki Mom ki neighbor thi Maa.. un dono ka koi blood relation tak nahi hai. Tanvi? Usne family hote hue bhi Anurag ka sath deke Mr. Bajaj ko dkhokha diya.. par aapko dekhna chahiye how they take care of each other"

"Aditya unhe apne khud ke chhote bhai se bhi zyada pyaar karte hain. Main nahi janti kis wajah se wo 10 saal yahan de alag the, but dekha maine kaise unki jaan atki thi, jab tak unhe nahi pata chal gaya ki Mr. Bajaj unke doctor se mile ya nahi. Filhal to shayad unhe pata nahi ki yahan kya hua hai unke jane ke baad, par I can only imagine unhe jab pata chalega to kaise react karenge. In sab ko bhool bhi jaayein to bhi Menaka? Parson raat se woh yahan hain. Wo unki ex-wife hain, zarurat nahi hai unhe ye sab karne ki. Agar Mr. Bajaj, utne hi bure hote jitna media mein sab kehte hain to woh kyu unke paas wapas aane ke baare mein sochti? Aisa nahi hai ki wo Mr. Bajaj ke paise aur fame ke liye ye sab karti hain. Woh khud itni successful hain, ek badi business family ko belong karti hain"

"Aur aap janti hain, sirf family and friends hi nahi, unka staff tak unke liye care karta hai, unhe manta hai. Mr. Mehra yahan se ek minute ke liye bhi nahi gaye hain. Aur unki PA Nidhi. I could see how worried she was yesterday. Aur aaj bhi jab Mr. Mehra updates de rahe the, tab bhi wo pareshan thi. Yaad hai Mrs. Mohini Basu kaise Baba aur aapko treat karte the, unke business aur family ke liye itna sab kuch karne ke baad bhi. Agar bure hain to woh log hue na, Mr. Bajaj kaise? Yahan sab kuch bhaut alag hai Maa, par galat nahi"

"Beta hum samajh rahe hain.." Veena tried to speak but Prerna cut her off.

"Nahi Maa, mujhe nahi lagta aap wahan mujhse itni dur rehkar samjh sakte ho mujhe yaha kaisa lagta hai" Prerna leaned back on the ladder. She closed her eyes and continued in a softer tone. "Yahan aake mujhe alag hi tarah ke relations dekhne mile hain. Yahan sab ek dusre ko samajhte hain, communicate karte hain, chhota ho ya bada sab ek dusre ki respect karte hain. Sabko apne liye decisions lene ka haq phir woh chahe Kukke hi kyun na ho. Koi kisi ke financial status dekh kar baat nahi karta. I wish Main aapko bata pati Maa, main kaisa feel karti hu yahan. Jaise main kuch hu! Society mein humari kya class hai, koi usey lekar na taunt karta hai na mujhe neecha dikhane ki koshish karta hai, jaisa har waqt Calcutta mein hota tha. Maa, yahan main kuch hu. Prerna Sharma ki value hai"

"Aur haan Maa.. abhi tak to Shivi ne mujhe call nahi kiya hai but usey keh dijiyega, ki is baare mein mujhse kuch na kahe warna main chup chap sunne wali nahi hu. Bhaut sun liya sabse ki Mr. Bajaj kitne bure insaan hai.. Shivi, Anurag, Basus.. sab mujhse yahi expect karte the ki main duniya waise dekhu jaise wo dekhte hain ya mujhe dikhana chahte hain.. par jabse Acharya's join kiya maine sab kuch apni nazaro se dekhna seekh liya hai.. aur sab kuch alag hi dikh raha hai, ye world, aas paas ke log, meri beti.. (she took a deep breath) especially Mr. Bajaj. Keh dijiyega Shivi se ek galat word bardasht nahi karungi main un sabhi ke against. Main yeh nahi keh rahi ki Shivi ko apne thoughts badalne ki zarurat hai. She can take as much time as she needs but mujhse aisa kuch na kahe jiske baare mein usey pata nahi hai ya usey nahi kehna chahiye. Jaise main ab aap logo ke liye koi galat baat nahi sun sakti, waise hi yahan jis naye world ka part ban gayi hu main, ab unke liye bhi kuch galat nahi bardasht karungi"

"Prerna Mamma.." Prerna turned around to find Kukke standing by the glass door with Mr. Mehra.

"Kukke.. aap yahan.." Kukke ran towards her and hugged Prerna.

"Kukke aapke liye pooch rahi thi. Aapka phone busy tha, so I got her here.." said Mehra, still standing next to the door a bit far from them.

"I thought you left.." said Kukke.

"No baby, how can I leave you.. you trust your Mamma, right?" Said Prerna, cupping Kukke's face and kissed her.

"I trust you Mamma.. but.." said Kukke.

"But kya beta.. Mamma ne aapko promise kiya hai na" said Prerna. She kissed Kukke's hand and made her sit in her lap.

"You promised last time too.. but you left.. I get scared that you'd leave like last time" said Kukke and hugged Prerna tightly.

"I know baby Mamma ne jo kiya bhuat galat kiya but Mamma has changed. She is here to stay.." Prerna tried to convince her, but deep inside she knew that mere words were not enough anymore. She doesn't trust you. Give her time, she said she trusts you but she is scared. Her fear isn't out of place. Right, she is not wrong in her doubts (thought Prerna). I don't know tumhe dikhta nahi ya tum dekhna nahi chahti but no one trusts you here, not even your daughter. You are just wasting your time here. No she isn't wasting her time. Kukke is a child and she is scared of losing people. Little girl has lost enough at such a small age. Prerna you are right, ab words se kaam nahi chalega. You must do things to build that trust in her. I know, I have to take some concrete actions to make my daughter believe that I am not going anywhere this time. Not just my girl, but Mr. Bajaj too..' thought Prerna as she placed a long kiss over her hair.

Prerna looked at Mr. Mehra and asked "Is he out?"

"He is but still in ICU, we can't meet.." said Mehra.

Kukke lifted her head to look at Prerna and said "I saw him, Dr. Dadu took me to meet him" Prerna looked down at Kukke with a smile. "He is sleeping and Dr. Dadu also said he will be fine.." said Kukke, still sitting in Prerna's lap. By this time Prerna had totally forgotten that she was still on the call with her mother.

Prerna picked her up in her arms and said "We should go down, it's hot out here. You should rest too" said Prerna and walked towards the door, where Mr. Mehra was already waiting for them.

Veena on the other end, was quietly hearing the little conversation between the two with a slight smile on her face.

Prerna realised she was still on call. Immediately she raised the phone to her ear "Maa.. main aapse baad mein baat karti hu. My people need me.." said Prerna and disconnected the call.

Prerna looked for the familiar old face inside the lift, because she wanted to apologise and thank him. But another young man welcomed them.

"Abhi kuch der pehle yahan Mr. Rehan Khan the na" Prerna asked the new liftman.

"Yes Mam! Shift gets changed at 4pm, unki jagah ab main hu. Any problem, Mam? I know woh kabhi kabhi kafi baatein karte hain but he is a good guy. Aap please unki complaint mat kijiye, agar koi problem hui hai to I am sorry" said the new lift guy.

Prerna shook her head and said "Nahi aisa kuch nahi hai. Main to unhe thanks kehna chahti thi. Us waqt thodi pareshan thi to kuch keh nahi payi.. isliye…"

"Main aapka message zaroor paas kar dunga. Wo mere father hain.." said Roshan with a smile and the door opened at the ground level.

"Thank you" said Prerna, and walked out with Kukke, followed by Mr. Mehra.

"Making friends already Mam?" said Mehra, to which Prerna only smiled.

"It's always good to know your staff.." said Mehra.

"Staff?" Prerna couldn't understand. She was about to question him, but Mehra made the excuse of an important call and left.

'Aajkal Mr. Mehra aise puzzles ke jaisi baatein kyun karte hain. Kal raat bhi conversation beech mein chhod kar chale gaye aur ab bhi pata nahi kya kehna chah rahe the. Kis staff ke baare mein baat ki unhone abhi..' thought Prerna, her eyes following Mehra's retreating figure.

"Mammaa…"

"Huh… yes baby.."

"Aap kahan lost ho gaye? Chalein?" Said Kukke, bringing a smile on Prerna's face.

"Kuch nahi Kukke, Mr. Mehra hain na.. aaj kal bhaut confuse karte hain Mamma ko.." said Prerna and walked towards the Lounge.

Kukke face palmed "Aap Mehra Uncle ke baare mein kyun soch rahe ho. Jo sochna chahiye uske bare mein kuch socha aapne??"

"What are you talking about?" asked Prerna.

"Ooh hoo Mamma.. friendship with Papa. Did you think about it?" Kukke shook her head in disbelief.

"Ohh that?"

"Yeah, that"

"Lounge mein jake discuss karte hain" said Prerna and walked ahead.

SHARMA NIWAS

4.30PM

Shivani who had returned from college found her Mom on the dining table cutting some vegetable with a content smile on her face. Shivani took quick steps towards her mother and asked her "kya baat hai Maa? Bhaut khush lag rahi hain aap"

"Priyu se baat hui abhi humari.." said Veena.

Shivani quickly sat on a chair next to her and asked "Wo theek hain na?"

"Haan wo ekdam theek hai" said Veena.

"Thank God! To phir itne dino se humara call kyun nahi le rahi hain? Kahi wahan kuch.. aapne bataya unhe us article ke baare mein? Ab to manti hain na Di ki woh kaise hain? Aapne kaha wapas aa jane ke liye? Maa.. aap kuch boliye, please. Aapne kaha na unhe wapas ghar aane ke liye?" Shivani bombarded Veena with her questions.

"Shivi.. Priyu jahan hai, shayad wahi uski sahi jagah hai. Shayad woh finally wahan phonch gayi hai jahan wo sach mein hona chahti hai, jahan usey sahi mein hona chahiye.."

"Maa… aap kya keh rahi hain, mujhe kuch samajh nahi aa raha hai?" Aksed Shivani, confused as Veena wouldn't stop smiling.

"Woh sab tumhare samajhne ke liye nahi hai beta. Jisey samajhna tha, woh khud hi sab samajh rahi hai. Ya shayad samajh chuki hai (Veena looked at Shivi) Priyu se us article ya is baare mein baat mat karna, warna agar woh tumhe gusse mein kuch keh jaye to humein kuch mat kehna"

"Priyudi ne kuch kaha aapse?" asked Shivani.

"Haan yahi ki 'My people need me' aur ab wo ek galat word bardasht nahi kar payegi unke khilaf. So humari advice hai ki tum kuch mat kehna usey, warna ready rehna uskey jawab ke liye" Veena smilingly caressed Shivani's face, who was nothing but confused. "Tum change kar lo, hum chai bana lete hain. Aur Maheh aur Suman ko bhi keh dena.." said Veena and walked away towards the kitchen, leaving a bewildered Shivani behind.

Veena turned around mid way and said "Janti ho Shivi.."

Shivani quickly turned back to look at her Mom "Kya Maa?"

"Kukke ki awaz suni humne phone par. Priyu se keh rahi thi ki wo usey trust karti hai, but sath hi uska dar bhi mehsoos kiya ki kahi Priyu usey firse to nahi chhod degi. Par jo bhi ho Bhaut hi pyaari awaaz hai uski.." said Veena and left.

Shivani had a hint of smile on her face too and she looked ahead at the table. 'Kukke ke liye main bhi khush hu Maa, she is a sweet child aur Di usey sach mein bhuat pyaar karti hain.. par har koi yeh bhool gaya hai ki filhal Di ki life se sabse important person missing hai. And Jab bhi Anurag wapas ayega tab Di ek baar phir se uske paas chali jayengi to uska asar us bacchi par bhi padega. Jitna main Di ko janti hu, I am sure Di khud ko rok nahi payengi Anurag ko dekh kar..' thought Shivani as she got up with her bag and walked towards her room.

LOUNGE

4.40PM

Prerna entered the lounge and settled Kukke on the couch. "Bolo na Mamma, did you think about it?"

"Ek minute, aapki medicines le aaon then we can talk" Prerna turned back to get her meds from the table. She broke the tablet in a spoon and added some water. As she mixed it she recalled Masi's words..

'To nikalo uske dimaag se wo sab kuch to soch raha hai wo. Kar sakti ho?'

She turned towards Kukke and her words from Terrace came back to her.

'I trust you Mamma, but I am also scared that you might leave like last time' (Kukki)

Prerna fed Kukki her medicines and quickly made her drink water, still thinking.

'I think Kukke is right. Masi se promise kiya hai maine ki ye sab Mr. Bajaj se ke dimaag se nikal dungi, but woh tab tak nahi hoga jab tak woh meri baat nahi sunenge. Jitna bhi unhe jaan payi hu, itna to pata hai woh aise hi trust nahi karenge mujh par. I need to make him trust me, aur uske liye Kukke jo keh rahi hai wahi best way hai. Aur shayad isi se Kukke will also trust me"

Kukke held the glass in front of Prerna but she was lost. "Mamma!!! You are lost again? What's wrong with you" said Kukke, shaking Prerna out of her thoughts.

"You know what Kukke.. I think you are right. Mamma ko Papa se friendship karni chahiye, aur sorry bhi kehna chahiye.."

"Sorry? What for?" asked Kukke, looking a bit puzzled.

"Mamma promised you and Papa, to stay with you all her life but she broke her promise. Unhone aapko dur jane diya khud se. Mamma ne aapko to sorry keh diya but ab Papa ko bhi kehna padega na. Aur itni sari mistakes jo Mamma ne ki, uske liye bhi sorry kehna hoga, tabhi to aapke Papa, Mamma ko trust karenge. And trust karenge tabhi to friend bhi banenge. Right?"

"Right. Now you are thinking" said Kukke.

"Par ek problem hai.. Mamma sorry kaise bolegi wo samajh nahi aa raha hai.."

"That's easy, when he wakes up just say Sorry. Bas.. Jitna aap soch rahe ho utna bhi difficult nahi hai. Aap try to karo. If needed I can help too.." Kukke ended with a yawn.

'Jitna easy aapko lag raha hai, utna easy bhi nahi hai Kukke' thought Prerna, as she made Kukke lie down on the cushion.

"That sounds like a good idea. So, let's just hope he wakes up soon. Ab aap thodi der rest karo, nahi to fever aa jayega. Chalo now you sleep like a good girl" Prerna covered Kukke with a blanket and ran her fingers through her hair. But Kukke pulled her hand close to her chest instead and closed her eyes. Prerna, sitting on the floor, leaned against the couch and placed her head next to Kukke's. Within no time both of them were engulfed by deep sleep.

After a while, Masi and Menaka entered the room and were surprised to see them both sleeping. Kukke was on the couch while Prerna was still on the floor. Menaka made Masi lie down on the couch and said "Aap thodi der so jayiye, jab tak Chandu Kukki ka saman le ayega. Thank you so much ghar chalne ke liye agree karne ke liye"

Once Masi slept Menaka reached Prerna. Menaka could see how Kukke held her hand. She shifted Kukke a bit to make some space next to her and carefully placed her hand on Prerna's shoulder and asked her to sleep on the couch. Prerna who was all tired and drowsy, without any protest got up from the floor and slept next to Kukke.

Menaka took a seat on a smaller and removed her shoes. She pulled her legs up on the couch close to her chest and wrapped her arms around and stared at the three sleeping figures in front of her. Then her gaze fell at Prerna sleeping hugging Kukke tightly.

'You have really developed a close bond with Kukke in such a short time. I can see Kukke loves you too. I guess now I know why Rishabh got you as her therapist. Thank you so much Prerna for being here! And for being there for Kukke..' lost in her thoughts she rested her head back on the headrest and looked up at the ceiling. None of them had any track of time.

7.30PM

Menaka was still awake, looking on her side at the window, her eyes quietly following the sun going down with every passing minute, till it vanished from her sight behind the tall buildings around. 'Another tough day is finally coming to an end' she thought.

A light knock on the door brought her out of her reverie. She opened the door and Chandu quietly entered the room with a big bag and said "Mam Kukke baby ka school uniform, bag aur baki sab zaroori saman ghar se le aye hain hum" Chandu kept the bag on the table and then a small bag next to it.

"Is bag mein kya hai?" asked Menaka.

"Humne dinner ke liye bhi arrange kar diya hai, ab aapko ghar jake khane ki tension nahi leni padegi" he said with a smile.

"Bhaut samajhdar ho gaye ho. Thank you!" said Menaka.

"Mam, bas thoda seekh gaye hain sabke sath. Aapko kuch aur zarurat ho to please let me know" said Chandu.

"I will. Now go and jake thodi der rest karo. I will call you when we leave. Aur haan Mere driver ko keh dena ready rehne ke liye" said Menaka and Chandu left.

She sat next to Masi and called her in a soft voice "Masi,"

"Haaan!!" Masi immediately opened her eyes. "Kya hua? Rishabh aya?"

"Masi Rishabh to kab se bahar aa chuka hai, aap usey mili bhi thi kuch der pehle. Aap bhool gayi na?" Menaka offered her a glass of water.

Masi took a few sips and said "Haan, you are right. Hum mile the kuch der pehle"

"Masi, you are very stressed. Kukke ka sab saman aa gaya hai. Kukke aur Prerna abhi bhi so rahe hain. Aap jab ready ho tab hum nikal sakte hain"

"Ohh.. (Masi looked at the wall clock) 7.30 hua hai. 8- 8.30 nikalte hain? Hum thoda fresh ho jate hain" said Masi.

Prerna too woke up hearing whispering voices around. A smile creeped on her face finding her angel sleeping next to her. She kissed Kukke and looked at the other two women in the room talking.

"Theek hai aap fresh ho jayiye aur Kukke ko bhi jaga dijiye, main abhi aati hu. Then we can leave" said Menaka and exited the room.

Masi went inside the rest room and Prerna sat up straight and looked at the bags and thought 'Masi and Kukke are leaving tonight, it seems. Good, all of them could use some rest. Waise bhi Mr. Bajaj se to mil nahi sakte to ghar hi jake rest karenge to acha hai'

Prerna carefully got out of the couch. She wore her slippers and fixed her hair in the mirror. She immediately turned back and looked at Masi exiting the restroom. She rubbed her hands a little, feeling nervous because of Masi's cold behaviour towards her. Fighting her hesitation she spoke to Masi, "Aap yahan ki tension mat lijiye. Mr. Mehra aur main hain yahan" Prerna took a few steps ahead and cupped Masi's hands in hers and continued, "I promise I won't give you any reason for complaint"

Masi slowly pulled her hands from Prerna and said "Hmm.. humein doctors par bharosa hai"

Masi walked aside and gathered some of Kukke's stuff from the table and murmured, "Menaka kahan chali gayi? 8 bajne wale hain.." Masi said to Prerna "Tum yahan ruko, hum Menaka ko dekh kar aate hain. Pata nahi kahan reh gayi hai. Uska phone bhi yahan hai" Said Masi.

"Aap Kukke ke paas rukiye, main bula le aati hu" said Prerna and walked out of the door.

Masi turned around to look at Kukke and woke her up. "Kukke beta, utho. We have to go"

"Where are we going, Dadi Masi?" asked Kukke, rubbing her eyes while sitting on the couch.

"Home. Kal aapke teacher ne school aane ke liye kaha hai. You've missed 2 days of school already. Wear your shoes, we have to leave in sometime" said Masi, putting Kukke's shoes on.

"But Papa?"

"Rastogiji ne kaha tha na Papa ko abhi bhaut sara rest karna hai, right? Hum subah aapko Papa se milne le ayenge. Waise bhi Papa ko pata chalega that you didn't go to school, so kitna bura lagega unhe, haina?"

"No we can't leave Papa and go. You go, I'll stay here with Prerna Mamma" said Kukke, refusing the idea to leave her dad and go.

"Kukke, beta pakka we'll come here in the morning. Aap pehle Papa se milenge uske baad hi school jayenge" said Masi, to convince her.

"No I am not leaving Papa alone. He will need me when he wakes up.." said Kukke, and laid back on the couch.

"Ab kaise samjhaye beta. Aapke Papa nahi uthenge subah se pehle" Masi sat by Kukke's legs trying her best to convince her.

On the other side Prerna was walking across the cold corridors looking for Menaka. But she couldn't find her anywhere. She wasn't very familiar with the building but she checked every place she could, where Menaka could be. 'Menaka kahan hain aap? Phone bhi nahi kar sakti, usey bhi aap lounge mein bhool gayi hain" Prerna opened the Recovery Room but it was vacant. Prerna took a deep breath and kept her hands over her waist 'Masi ko keh diya Menaka ko le ane ke liye aur inka kuch pata nahi hai. (She looked up) Aapki koi personal dushmani hai mere sath, jo kuch bhi aap theek se nahi hone dete ho mere sath?'

'What about ICU? She could be there. How can she be? Nobody is allowed to visit. Check karne mein kya jata hai. Just go and check. Exactly my point. Waise bhi Prerna, you should hurry. Agar sach mein she is in ICU, she could be doing anything. Remember Pune mein kya hua tha? (Picture of Menaka kissing his hand played in front of her eyes). Good you remember. Jitna pyaar aajkal tumhe Menaka ke upar aa raha hai, I thought tum sab bhool gayi ho. Ab jaldi chalo, sabke saamne wo hua to socho akele mein.. I think you should rush' Only if she could see the fear on her face. She immediately turned back on her heels and rushed to find her way to the ICU.

ICU

7.55PM

Menaka entered the room and traced every single thing inside the room. A nurse was adjusting the IV flow, he was still on blood transfusion.

"Aap yahan?" the nurse questioned her presence.

"Don't worry, I won't be here for very long. Also I have taken the permission" Said Menaka, taking slow steps towards him.

"Okay! Aap yahan rukiye, I'll be back" said the nurse and exited the room.

Menaka walked further and stopped by his bedside and ran her hand over his hair once and fixed the tube behind his ear. 'What have you done to yourself Rishabh?"

She lowered herself back on the stool by his bedside. "We miss you Rishabh.. I missed you all these years. Did you? Ek baar bhi meri yaad aayi in last 6 years? Did you miss me even for a fraction of second? Bolo na? Pehle to chup nahi hote they aur ab kuch bolte nahi ho"

Carefully she held his hand and whispered "Your hands are so cold" She shifted her stool closer to the bed, slowly rubbing hand between her palms.

"Yaad hai when you had such cold hands?" she tucked his hand inside the blanket and leaned ahead. She crossed her arms on the bed and rested her chin over her arms and looked at him.

"Mujhe yaad hai. I remember everything. College fundraising fest tha, and I had convinced you to be my dance partner. It was 4 months after we all met you in college. I was in the green room and you came" She whispered and a little smile adorned her face as she went back in time.

COLLEGE 2002-03 (Rishabh's MBA first year)

GREEN ROOM

2.00PM

Inside green room 4, she was getting ready when she heard a knock on the door, followed by a known voice and she said "Come in, the door is not locked"

She stood hunched over a dresser, fixing her makeup looking into the mirror, when the door opened. She gave him a glance through the mirror as he walked inside and her lips curled into a smile on their own.

She looked at the time and thought 'Skipping lunch again. Not happening' She pulled out an apple from her bag and threw back at him and he was quick to catch it. "Eat it and relax. Lunch kyun skip kiya? Aur ye kya face bana rakha hai, kya hua?" she asked and focused back on the work in hand.

"I went to the dining hall but I couldn't and I came here; I think I am nervous. And I am sure, right now I am experiencing the highest degree of nervousness" he replied, looking miserable and fidgety than usual.

"Chup chap khao.. ek word nahi.." she ordered.

"What if I forget the steps? I mean I have never done this before" he said and took a large bite at the apple. "What if I make you fall.." he spoke with his mouth stuffed.

She rolled her eyes "that only happened once, on day 1 of our practice, that too a month back" she replied.

"What if I step on your dress?" He said.

"You can't do that even if you try your hard. Guess you didn't notice, I am wearing a knee length dress" she said, as he walked back and forth behind her.

"Ohh yess. That's good. I think I am 5% less nervous hearing that" he said, rubbing his forehead.

"5% less nervous, are you serious? Tumhe sab jagah bas numbers hi dikhte hain, right" She asked in an astonished tone.

"I am serious, everything can be quantified I think.." he replied with utmost seriousness. He wouldn't stop pacing across the room.

'You can't be serious RB. Business presentation dete waqt acche accho ko nervous kar dete ho aur chhote se performance se yeh halat hai? I think I am 5% more in love with you hearing this' She smiled, back at herself through the mirror.

Chewing impatiently, he walked towards her and stood leaning against the dresser, facing her. With his arms crossed in front of his chest, biting and chewing the apple he gave her a list of things that could go wrong on the stage. But when she noticed him properly for the first time all his words vanished into the thin air.

Lost in his eyes she told herself 'This guy is going to be my death one day and the fact that he doesn't even know makes it worse'

Her eyes travelled from his face to his outfit. He wore a black tuxedo, with her favourite white shirt. She loved him in whites. She recalled how he had not allowed either of them to buy a new one for him, hence they all settled for a rented one. Something he could afford on his own from the little he earned from random jobs. He wore a red bow tie on her insistence, to match her red dress. She only knew how much she had to convince him to wear the outfit, especially the tie. He thought it looked funny. But to her he looked perfect.

'Only if this place was a church and I was asked 'THE' question. I'd have said 'I DO' this very moment. You've made me that hopeless person' She thought and turned towards the mirror to continue her work but she almost ruined her lip color, when she heard him scream "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO?"

"What? Kya hua?" She asked. He pulled her and closely looked at her eyes. "Your lashes" and then he looked at a pair of long lashes on the dresser. He looked all puzzled.

Menaka broke into a loud laughter. "Don't tell me you haven't seen fake lashes?" She fell back on the stool behind her, failing to stop her laughter looking at his confused face.

"No. I didn't know anything like this exists" he picked up the lashes and looked at them intrigued and impressed at the same time.

"You are too innocent. Kabhi kisi ladki ke fake lashes nahi dekhe kya?" She asked.

He kept the pack back on the dresser. He shrugged his shoulders and said "You talking about girls, I rarely had friends.. Not everyone is as accepting of a person like me like you all, are they?" he had a thankful smile on his face, his eyes still fixed on the lashes on the dresser.

"Hey! You okay?" She asked and made him look at her.

"Yeah.. let that be. By the way I don't understand why you need these?" He asked her.

"That's because not everyone is blessed with beautiful eyes like you. Have you ever looked at your lashes? Sometimes I envy you.. that's an honest confession coming from me, which is rare" she said and finished her half done job with lip color.

"You don't need them either" he reached behind her and made her sit on the stool in front of the mirror. "Just look at you. You are beautiful as is. More importantly you own a beautiful heart. (He continued in a playful tone) Waise bhi I have seen how all guys look at you, like you are the most beautiful girl on campus"

Words faded for Menaka as she got lost in her own world. 'Campus pe baki sabko notice kar liya; but jisey notice karna chahiye usey nahi kar paye?"

"You are smart, intelligent, beautiful. Any guy will give his life to be with you for the person that you are. You don't need all these fake things. Trust me" he said looking at her through the mirror.

'Can I get to be with you? I don't care what anyone thinks about me, when all I care is for one person. Can't you really see anything in my eyes?' She thought, looking at him through the mirror.

She heard a snap and got back "What? Where are you lost?" He asked.

Menaka took a deep breath and got up from the stool. "You know what, you are right" she picked up the lashes and dropped them into the bin. "Here they go. No more fake lashes.."

"I like that," he said and took her hands in his.

"Why are your hands so cold?" She asked with concern.

"I told you I am too nervous that I'd ruin it for you"

"It was never about win or loss. I wanted to do it, to spend time with you. Know you, be with you' she thought.

She pulled him by his hands and made him sit on her stool and came down on her knees in front of him. "Shh..you'll be amazing.. agar bhool bhi gaye to I don't care if we win or lose' said Menaka.

"But I care. You have always helped me win. I don't want to be a reason for your loss"

"You won't be" she tried to convince him but a knock on the door interrupted the conversation.

"Can we come in?" They both looked at the door. "Yes please" said Menaka.

"Tum dono ready nahi hue?" asked Aditya and kept his laptop on a table as he walked in, Ara followed him inside the room.

"He is ready. I just need another 5 but.." replied Menaka and looked at Ara like she needed her help.

"But what?" asked Ara.

"This guy, your favourite RB is having cold feet. He has been telling me what all can go wrong with the performance for the past 15 minutes" she said. She pulled her hands away from him and stood next to him.

"Rishabh, is this true? You also feel nervous. Ohh God that's the best thing I have ever heard. Now I know you too are a human. Mujhe to humesha lagta tha tum koi superhuman ho.." said Aditya, trying his best to stop himself from laughing as he looked at sulking Rishabh.

"I am nervous, alright? I shouldn't have told her.. (he turned to look at Menaka) You can't keep anything to yourself, can you?" He said with a scowl.

Ara sat on her knees in front of him. Holding his cold hands in hers she said "Adi ki bakwas par dhyan mat do. You know how he is"

"Bakwaas? I definitely feel offended" said Aditya, as he walked back and stood leaning against the wall.

Ara tilted her head to look back at Aditya and said "You are royally ignored Adi. (Ara looked back at Rishabh) Look. We have seen you guys practice and you both are just amazing. So just relax. It's just like your class presentations"

"Those are professional.." Rishabh tried to explain but Ara cut him off.

"To kisne kaha isey dance ki tarah lena hai. When you are on stage just imagine it to be a business presentation. And you love music, don't you? Forget about everything, Just hear the music and look at Menaka and do what you have to do. Okay?" Rishabh nodded in agreement with Ara, but he was still shaking his leg a little.

That's when they all heard a tensed voice of Aditya and all eyes were on him while he spoke over phone in a corner of the room "Yeah Dad! I know I was supposed to send it today but you know I hate all these office reports. (There was a small pause) okay, I will try to do it. Fine! Bye"

While Ara and Menaka gave him a questioning glance, Rishabh got up from his place and reached his worried friend. He kept his hand on Aditya's shoulder and asked "All okay?"

Aditya turned around with a frustrated look on his face and took a deep breath. "Nothing, I had to send an accounts report by this evening, but you know how much I hate all this"

"I can help, if it's okay with you and it isn't something confidential" said Rishabh.

"Tum kaise karoge? You have a performance, right?" said Aditya.

"It's okay, I am ready and we have time. I will finish it before the deadline, I promise" said Rishabh, with sincerity in his voice. He knew he could never return all that his friends did for him but he left no oppptunity to offer his help whenever he could.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am. You know I like working on reports. Please let me do it" said Rishabh. Aditya didn't fail to notice the spark in his eyes, missing a few moments ago.

"Now that you are insisting so much, my laptop is there on the table" said Aditya, pointing towards the table. Rishabh walked away and Aditya said from behind "Password you know and File 'AI09' on the desktop"

Rishabh removed his jacket and hung it behijd the chair before taking a seat, while Aditya stood in his place with his hands crossed in front of his chest with a smile. Both Menaka and Ara stood on either side.

"Dad really called you? Isn't he out of the country for his business trip? As far as I know it's night in the US and he must be sleeping" whispered Menaka.

Aditya reached close her ear and said "No, he did not"

Ara kept her arm on his shoulder and pulled him and whispered "I think I know what you just did"

"What? I did nothing" gestured Aditya, making an innocent face.

"Didn't you already submit the report before we left for here?" asked Ara, in a very low voice so Rishabh won't hear a thing.

Menaka was all surprised "You did?"

"Did I? Really? Who said so?" Aditya said playfully.

"Stop this overacting now. I know you are making him work on something that's already done" whispered Ara.

"Yes, I am. He needed something to keep his jitters at bay and I gave him exactly that" said Aditya.

"You know what Adi, you are the sweetest friend one can ask for. I am so proud of you" said Ara and gave him a side hug.

"So am I" Menaka too hugged him from the other side.

"Okay okay, let's get done with what we came here for, i.e. wish them luck and leave, nahi to ye dono late ho jayenge" said Aditya and hugged his sister. "Usko karne do jo bhi woh kar raha hai and get ready" Menaka nodded and went to finish.

Ara reached Rishabh, pulled him from the chair and hugged him. She cupped his face and kissed him over his forehead. "You'll do good. Just enjoy the music and focus on your partner, Okay?"

Aditya too followed and said "Good Luck to you too RB. And report ke chakkar mein bhool mat jana that you have a performance too"

"This is too easy. I'll be done in 15 minutes, max. I'll give it to you before we go up stage. Don't worry" said Rishabh and got back to the laptop. Aditya looked back at Ara and whispered, "15 minutes it seems. And I wasted my entire night on this" Ara let a silent chuckle.

"You know you are crazy. Main ek minute mein Menaka se milke ati hu, then we leave, okay" said Ara and she took quick steps towards the dresser.

His eyes were fixed at Ara, as she lovingly hugged his sister wishing her for the performance. Menaka's gaze fell on her brother who was looking at Ara with nothing but love and longing in his eyes.

'Adi I don't remember kab se you have been in love with Ara. Your eyes say it all, but you never told her. I always thought what could be so difficult to let her know about what you feel for her" Menaka came out of her thoughts as Ara moved away and left the room with her brother.

As they left she looked at Rishabh busy with his work 'I think now I know why you couldn't tell Ara, because I can't either. I think we both are scared, what if we lost our best friends in quest of our love' her smile faded and she turned away from him.

Outside in the corridor Prerna was struggling to find her way to the ICU. She was familiar with the lounge and Recovery Room but did not visit the ICU yet. Hence, she just followed the floor map that she saw once.

"Excuse Me! ICU, jahan Dr. Rastogi ke patient hain wo kidhar hai?" Prerna asked the nurse. She was the samw nurse who left ICU a whilr back.

"Take a right at the end of this corridor" said the nurse.

"Thank you" said Prerna and walked ahead.

'She is definitely in the ICU with him. Don't you think you should walk faster or may be run. Good advice only if the whole idea is to create a scene over here and draw unwanted attention. Haan attention se yaad aya, I am sure Menaka must be giving special attention to him all by herself, alone in the ICU. Ohh just shut up will you (Prerna tried to shut her brain off as she walked as fast as she could) Prerna don't worry, Maybe she went to see him before leaving with Kukke and Masi or she just went out to meet Rastogi Uncle? Guess I need to remind you again and again of what she did back in Pune. You two are just fools without me, just accept it. Shut up. Prerna just relax, it was nothing back in Pune. Prerna tried to ignore everything, but her own thoughts were messing up the whole thing. Calm down Prerna he is in the observation room, nobody is allowed to meet anyway. Right nobody is allowed but don't forget she is not a NOBODY. She is his ex-wife, she knows Dr. Rastogi personally. I won't be surprised if someone told me she is related to the owner of this building honestly. Getting access for some time ain't a huge thing for her. How stupid could you be?

ICU

Menaka was still in the past..

'Thanks Adi and Ara.. you guys are always a saviour' she thought, while she did some final touches, stealing a few glances at him through the mirror. He was busy but he pulled his collar every now and then like something was bothering him.

"Are you done yet?" She asked.

"Almost, a minute more" he said, and pulled his collar again.

She was packing her stuff when her gaze fell at the two chocolates right next to her bag. She picked those up, and then she heard the shutdown tone. She knew he was done.

"Something wrong? Why are you pulling your collar?" She asked.

"This stupid bow tie. I am afraid this will suffocate me right on the stage. Trust me this tie is a bad, extremely bad idea" he said, pulling his tie a little walking towards her with his jacket hung over his left arm.

'Well this is what I have been waiting for. Wondered how come you didn't complain about the bow tie till now' she thought and walked up to him and said "Let me fix it for you.. tum ye khao." She gave him the chocolate. He tilted his head up to give her better access to his tie.

'I hope chocolate keeps him busy while I fix it for him. Warna fir se he will start..' she thought as she checked his tie.

Menaka realised he tied it too tight. "This is a tie, not a phansi ka phanda. What were you thinking tying it so tight? You could have actually suffocated yourself.." she said, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Fix it, please. I am not used to all these things" he replied.

She took another couple of steps closing the distance between them and slowly her hands creeped behind his neck to reach the back of his collar to pull it up. Everytime she was close to him, her world came to a standstill and this moment was no different. Though her hands were working on the knot, she couldn't take her eyes off him.

"You should have chosen someone else as your partner, someone better for this" he said, still looking up.

'Here he goes again. I hope we are called soon for the performance' she thought.

"I know I have got the best partner I could ever ask for" she said, as she looked up at his face without him knowing.

"I hope I don't mess up the whole thing.." he said and took another bite of the chocolate.

"No you won't"

'Kitna bolte ho tum.. wo bhi sab nonsense..' she thought and took a deep sigh.

As she adjusted the knot she only knew how fast her heart was beating being so close to him. Her hands stopped after the knot was done but she stayed in the moment lovingly staring at the side of his face lost in her thoughts. 'I wish time could just stop here' she thought.

Rishabh's question snapped her back in her senses. "Is it done?" He asked.

"Yeah.. How does it feel?" She asked.

He moved his neck around and ran two fingers between his neck and collar. "This is so much better. (He took a deep breath) I can breathe like a normal human being again. Thank you!"

"You are welcome!" She said. She took his jacket in her hands "Here your jacket"

He turned around to slip his hands into his jacket and still saying things "By the way I have a presentation next week. So I'd need your help. (He turned around to face her) I have prepared everything, would like to rehearse it once whenever you are free"

"Oh God.. here he goes again!" Menaka rolled her eyes while adjusting the front of his jacket and replied in a tired voice. "Okay, we can do it over the weekend"

"Good. I will share all the details.."

While he kept on talking, Menaka put her arms around his neck to adjust the lapels and then the collar. Her hands stayed there almost wrapped around his neck and she said "Have I ever told you that you talk a lot?"

"Really? I talk a lot? Do I? But everyone says I don't talk much. What made you think I talk.."

While he was busy talking, her eyes were focused on his lips, moving continuously saying things she didn't care about.

'Rishabh Bajaj, how awkward will it be if I just kissed you right now and stopped you from talking all nonsense' she thought and her eyes kept staring at his face with a smile, like he was her favourite book. Involuntarily in the spur of the moment she went closer such that their lips were a few inches away from his. He was still saying things about his presentation that felt like background music to her. Lost in him she moved ahead but placed a little peck on his cheek instead, shocking him and finally there was silence in the room. He stood in his place stunned and looked at her with wide questioning eyes, like he was asking her "What is this for?"

"Bhaut bol rahe the, socha tumhe chup kara du. I think it worked" Menaka shrugged her shoulder like it was nothing, and fixed her hair looking in the mirror, leaving him behind still glued to his place.

That's when they heard a knock and someone announced "guys we begin in 10 minutes.

Menaka was back in present and found her face hovering right above him. She had no idea when she got up from the stool and sat on the bed right next to him. Her torso leaned over him, with her weight rested on her hands on the bed, on either side of his shoulder. After quietly Staring at him for a few moments, she bent one of her arms and that brought her closer to him. Her weight now rested on her bent elbow, their faces inches away from each other.

'That was my first kiss that I stole from you. Us din kitna bol rahe the aur aaj ek dam chup ho. I wanted to kiss you that day to stop you from talking and it worked for sometime. If I kissed you now will it make you talk again? I miss you RB, all your nonsense. Can you please wake up and talk to me? It's okay, even if you fight with me because it hurts more to see you like this. (She placed her free hand over his face) I came here to tell you that I am taking Masi and your little Princess home with me. I know you'd be extremely mad at me and Masi, when you wake up. But I hope you'll understand. They need rest. Altamount nahi ja sakti coz tumne mana kiya hai, so I am taking them to my place and I promise I'll take care of them.."

After what felt like a run across the globe, Prerna came to a halt outside the ICU. To her luck the curtains were away but what she saw inside sucked air out of her lungs. She immediately turned away in shock and leaned against the wall next to the door. She shut her eyes closely and blabbered to herself.

'No no no.. It's not true. I am just imagining things. Jo maine dekha wo sach nahi hai, ho hi nahi sakta. Well there is only one way to know. Look again if it's for real or just your imagination. That makes sense. Just look again.

Prerna gulped and opened her eyes. Hesitatingly she turned back and gathered all her courage to look inside the room through the glass opening.

To her utter shock she wasn't imagining. She saw Menaka on the bed, right above him. She couldn't see their faces but Menaka sat leaning forward over him. 'I told you, jaldi karo (she heard a mocking voice from inside her brain) This one definitely looks like a trouble Prerna. Do something. What am I supposed to do? This is what I have been trying to warn you of, but you never listen do you? Ohh I love this, your heart is finally feeling that pinch. You are definitely not helping (said Prerna) You know what I feel bad for you right now, so a little suggestion. Just barge in and take her away. I don't like this idea very much but you gotta do something.. Fast!

'She can't do this. Not when is not in his senses. Was it okay with you if he was in his senses while she was this close' She ignored her brain, mocking her and just barged inside the room.

"Menaka Aap yahan hain? Aapko Masi dhund rahi hain" Prerna expected her to be shocked and feel awkward but to her surprise Menaka just stayed where she was.

Without looking back at Prerna, Menaka spoke like she was in some kind of a trance. "Good you came. I didn't know who to talk to. I have so much that I want to say, but he won't wake up and the worst part is once he does, he won't listen" a painful smile escaped from Menaka's lips. Prerna noticed the pain in her voice, but she was there for her own reasons. 'I am sorry Menaka, but I don't think I can help, at least not while you are doing this. Just say the truth, you Don't want to help'

"Aap please chaliye.." Prerna wanted to say something but before she could, Menaka spoke again.

"Have you ever closely noticed his eyes, especially his beautiful lashes. Itna time spend kiya hai, I am sure you must have. Because it'll be a shame if you didn't. (A smile formed on her lips) They made me go weak on my knees every time I looked at them.." Menaka had now carefully cupped his face between both her hands as she looked at his closed eyes.

'Menaka you got to stop.. Can someone just barge inside this room and stop her. I wonder if that's gonna be of any help. Your presence absolutely made no difference to her. Did it? I don't think anyone can stop her'

"Prerna you know I love him right?" said Menaka and ran her finger through his hair once.

Prerna stood glued to her place with wide eyes, unable to understand what was going on. 'Ohh boy, now she is caressing his hair too. Closeness alert. Why isn't she getting up? Inko fark hi nahi pad raha hai mere yaha hone ke baad bhi. Aaj se pehle to she never did anything like this. I don't know what to do. Hold her hand and drag her out of the room. That's the only way. Prerna whatever you do, stay calm. Just remember this isn't Basu Badi. Don't do anything foolish' Prerna was in utter shock, not able to cope up well with whatever was happening. Everytime she thought Menaka was done giving her shocks, she ended up hearing more shocking things from Menaka like the one she said next.

"I told you I love him, but did I ever tell you, what I love the most about him?"

"Menaka Kukke and Masi are waiting for you. Please let's just go..." Prerna tried her best to keep calm and reason out things with her, but nothing seemed to be working.

Menaka was cut from the real world. She had travelled back in the time and got stuck there. "I love the way he accepted every wrong done to him. Instead of letting those bad times pull him down and make him a bitter person, he found reasons to smile instead and embrace all those bad memories. Instead of forgetting the bad times, he found inspiration to become a better person"

Prerna was listening carefully for a change.

Menaka's eyes then travelled to his left arm, admiring his tattoos exposed through the half sleeved gown he wore. Her right hand slowly traced the colorful patterns over his arm and she continued "Do you know some of these lines follow the curve of his scars, something his dad gave him as a legacy. (She chuckled) He called him 'Monster Dad'. I am sure only a monster could do it. He could hide these or be angry looking at these but he converted his bad memories into a beautiful art and made it a part of himself and moved on. Aren't these beautiful, Prerna? He proved himself as the best dad, when his owm dad almost ruined his childhood. His own family was so broken but yeh.. he can go to any extent to protect his family"

This time Prerna too was lost in her words for a few moments. She never thought his tattoos had any scars. 'I never noticed anything (she thought) How could you when you were in so much love with Anurag. True uske aagey kuch dekha hi kahan tha tumne.

"Sabki galatiyan tumne maaf kar di Rishabh, except mine. Will you ever be able to forgive me?" Said Menaka and cupped his face again. She was close to him then before.

'Oohhh too close, way toooo close. She is unstoppable today. She is way too carried away Prerna. I wonder if she even knows what she is doing'

What came next out of Menaka's mouth pulled ground from under Prerna's feet.

"Prerna! How awkward will it be if I kissed him right now while he is sleeping unaware of this whole wide world?" Said Menaka still staring at him, her lips just inches away from his. Prerna's presence had no effect on her. She was not in a state to think of what was right or wrong. She was still stuck in the moment from the green room.

Prerna stumbled and leaned against the wall behind her in shock when she heard Menaka.

'OMG!!! Can I just accept I am impressed with this woman and her guts. She knows how to truly love someone. Wish inner voices had a choice to change their owners, I'd have switched this very moment. She truly is in love Prerna. No no.. It's not right. You have no right to do that.. it's not right (Prerna freezed in her place not able to form proper thoughts).. What rights are you talking about? Everything is fair in love and war. Heard of it?" Prerna stood clueless, closely watching Menaka's actions and waiting for a miracle to happen that'd bring Menaka back to her senses.

Prerna knew she couldn't stand there and do nothing. She wanted to give her last try to stop whatever was happening inside that room. "Menaka, is se pehle aap kuch aisa kar dein jo aapko nahi karna chahiye, please yahan se chaliye. Aap please Masi aur Kukke ko lekar ghar jayiye. Masi aapka lounge mein wait kar rahi hain '' Prerna wanted to say all this to her, but her thoughts never converted into words. She wanted to reach Menaka but she couldn't move an inch from her place. 'Menaka please chaliye yahan se" Prerna was praying mentally but all her prayers were unheard.

To Prerna's shock Menaka further closed the distance and that made Prerna involuntarily shut her eyes. 'What the hell, why did you close your eyes? We need to see if she.. if she what? If she kissed him? Of course..you don't have to see this.. I do.. (she murmured)'

Prerna opened her eyes and found Menaka in the same position. 'I am sure they can feel each other's breath being this close' Her body was so stiff that it hurt. Her fists were so tightly closed that her nails dug into her flesh.

After staying in that position for some time, Menaka just lowered her forehead and rested over his forehead, she closed her eyes and stayed there for a few moments.

"Mam, I need to give him a shot" the nurse who had just entered; her voice felt nothing less than a blessing to Prerna who had forgotten to breathe all this while.

Hearing the nurse, Menaka lifted her head and placed a soft peck over his forehead and she whispered "Get well soon, Rishabh!"

Prerna stood there in utter shock. She couldn't believe her eyes, she didn't know whatever she just witnessed happened for real or it was a nightmare she just experienced. She wanted someone to shake and wake her up from the dream. But her inner voice was quick to shatter all her hopes and give her a reality check that she didn't need in the first place.

'Did you see what she just did? Ohh shut up she is still in a shock, breathe Prerna breathe! It's okay, it was just a friendly get well soon kiss. She didn't do what you were thinking. Don't look too much into it. It's nothing. It's nothing? What more are you waiting for to know that Menaka is nothing but a threat to all your stupid dreams of being with Kukke.

"Aap do log yahan kya kar rahe hain. Doctor ne bas Ms. Adhiraj ko milne ki permission di thi" said the nurse and requested Prerna to leave.

"Thank God, the nurse is here! Thank you so much for coming" Prerna thanked the nurse in her mind.

Menaka's voice pulled her out of her reverie and Prerna could just blankly stare. "It's okay, nurse. I am leaving, let her be. She will stay here overnight. I have spoken to the doctors" said Menaka, as she finally pulled herself away from him and wiped her tears.

Prerna could finally breathe, when Menaka got up from the bed. Prerna looked at her with wide shocked eyes as she walked in her direction. 'Ohh God, she looks in a bad state. Is she alright?' Thought Prerna as she saw Menaka closely.

"Prerna, I am sorry but tum so rahi thi to main bata nahi payi. I spoke to the doctors that you and Mr. Mehra will stay here tonight. I know you need rest but aaj raat manage kar lo, Masi and Kukki need a night off. I hope you have no problem" asked Menaka.

Prerna just shook her head and blinked her eyes in agreement.

"Good. See you tomorrow then, take care of him and yourself too. Kuch bhi ho to call kar dena" Prerna just nodded again and saw Menaka leaving the room. As soon Menaka was out of the room, Prerna finally took a sigh of relief.

"Mam aap thodi der bahar baithiye. I need to run some tests. I'll call you" said the nurse and Prerna followed to exit the room.

She dropped on a chair outside the room. She could feel the heat radiating through her body. The corridors that felt freezing to her a while back felt like a furnace. She barely breathed all the time she was inside the room, but now her breathing was all over the place. She lowered her head and covered her face to calm herself down. Everything that happened since she reached the ICU played like a nightmare in her mind, sucking the remaining reserves of her energy.

LOUNGE

8.30PM

Menaka walked all the way to the Lounge like a walking dead. She wasn't thinking anything, devoid of any thoughts as she realised what she just did a while back. She opened the door to the lounge and found Kukke lying on the couch with a frown and Masi sat next to her with a defeated look on her face.

"Aap ready hain?" asked Menaka, and she closed the door behind her.

Masi looked at her just said "Kukke yahan se jane ke liye tayyar nahi hai. Woh nahi jayegi to hum kaise.."

Menaka wasn't surprised with Kukke being adamant to stay back with her dad. She reached by Kukke's side and put her head in her lap. She caressed her hair and said "Pata hai Dadi Masi thak gayi hain. Papa to uth nahi rahe hain, Tanvi bhi yahan nahi hain to aap batayiye unka khayal rakhne ki responsibility kiski hai? Papa aur Tanvi ke baad kaun hai bada ghar mein?"

Kukke quietly looked at Masi who had moved to another couch and sat with her head in her hands. She could see her Dadi Masi was not in a good state.

"Aap nahi chalenge to Masi bhi nahi jayengi. Aur agar unki bhi health kharab ho gayi to Papa ko answer denge ki hum unki absence mein Dadi Masi ka khayal bhi nahi rakh paye"

Kukke shifted her gaze back at Menaka and looked with a little guilt in her eyes but she also had worry for her father. She was quiet but her face still expressed her inner turmoil.

Neither Masi, nor Menaka said another word and waited for her to say something. After a little moment of hesitation, Kukke got up from Menaka's lap and slipped down the couch. She reached Masi and pulled her hand and said "Let's go. You take so much care of Papa and me. I need to take care of you now" Masi melted at her innocent gesture and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Menaka too got from her place; taking Kukke in her arms she whispered in her ears "Thank you so much baby, you are the best. And because you are the best, your Big Partner promises to share something special jo aapko ghar jake milega" Said Menaka and Kukke just wrapped her arms around her.

"About Papa.??" she asked.

"Haan. Ab chalein?"

Kukke nodded but ordered them to take her to her dad once, before leaving to which Masi and Menaka agreed happily.

OUTSIDE ICU

8.45PM

Prerna stopped right outside the washroom when she found 3 known figures walking in the opposite direction, away from her. She knew all three were leaving for the night after meeting Rishabh. But she was too exhausted to call them or follow them and her eyes just followed them till they all vanished at a turn.

She dragged herself back to the seating area. She peeked in through the glass pane and the nurse was still making some notes. She went back to the chair and sat there exhausted. Mentally, physically and emotionally.

Her face was still dug into her hands when she felt a little jerk. She was shaken deep down to her soul by the recent incidents that she didn't even lift her head when she felt it for the first time. She couldn't differentiate between emotional or physical jolts any more. She lifted her head only when she felt her body shake again. She looked at the nurse standing in front of her with one hand on her shoulder.

"I am done, you can go inside. I will be around, use the call button if you need anything" said the nurse and walked away before Prerna could respond.

She was exhausted to an extent that she thanked the nurse, long after she was gone. She pulled herself up and made her way towards his room. Taking a deep breath she pushed the door and entered only to be welcomed by the sound of the monitor beeping in sync with the rhythm of his heart. To her surprise it calmed her down a bit just like last night when she had drifted into sleep listening to the steady beeps, with Kukke and him next to her.

After a brief moment of peace, she felt a pang in her heart when she noticed the oxygen mask that had replaced the nasal cannula he had a while back. That very moment did something to her and her emotions riled up into a wave of frustration, anger and helplessness. She sat on a stool by the right side of his bed and just opened her heart out to his sleeping figure. She wanted to vent it all out.

"Mujhe nahi pata ki aap tak meri baat aap tak phonch bhi rahi hai ya nahi but bhaut ho gaya Mr. Bajaj, ab please uth jayiye aap. Aapko pata bhi nahi hai yahan sabka kya haal hai… sab chahte hain aap uth jayein Kukke, Masi.. Mr. Mehra, Nidhi… aur Mai.. (she paused) Sab aapse baat karna chahte hain, aur mujhe.. mujhe aapse bhaut kuch kehna hai.. aur jab tak theek nahi honge to.. Aap please uthiye.." Prerna had no idea when she took his IV free hand in hers while she said all those things to him, almost pleading sitting next to him.

Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!! The update is here!!!!!!!

Originally posted by: Minhasmansi92

Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!! The update is here!!!!!!!

Yeah it is. But I don't how it is. Just getting into the feel of the story and writing.

Thank you for your patience🤗

😁😁😁😁😁 update agaya 😁😁😁😁😁😁😌 maine toh comments de diye 😌 n I m stopped from commenting them here 🙊so have fun everyone 😁👍

Originally posted by: WaqtZaya

😁😁😁😁😁 update agaya 😁😁😁😁😁😁😌 maine toh comments de diye 😌 n I m stopped from commenting them here 🙊so have fun everyone 😁👍

Who stopped you???? Aisa nahi ho saktaa..

Nahiiiiiio

Finallllyyyyyy!!!!! The update is here!

It's been soooooo many days!

It was fabulous as always. Loved the entire part where Prerna was trying to analyse each and every sentence said to her by her own. That's going to help her a lot. Menaka and Rishabh's part was my favourite. Loved the way she explained Kukki. Kukki is definitely going to be a great businesswoman just like both Rishabh and Menaka.

Can't wait to see Rishabh finally waking up in the next one. There's going to be a lot of emotions and heart-to-heart conversations, I suppose.

Waiting for the next!

P.S. : I read the note where you said you were unsure about writing. Just so you know- Your's is by-far one of the best stories I've ever read on Kasauti. I won't call it a story of Prerish 'cause there's a lot more to it other than Rishabh and Prerna.

Originally posted by: Sunn_shine

Who stopped you???? Aisa nahi ho saktaa..

Nahiiiiiio