Part 13
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Shekhawat House
Chandni had just finished speaking on the phone to Dhwani. Dhwani had abruptly ended the call as soon as Chandni had asked her if she was in love. This made it obvious to Chandni that Dhwani was in love. Why else would she cut the call? She couldn't wait to tell Daksh but where was her useless brother? 'DAKSH!' Chandni kept shouting out Daksh' name throughout the house until she finally bumped into him.
Chandni: Daksh! I have great news for you.
Daksh: What is it Di? I'm busy.
Chandni: You're always busy but what if this good news is about Dhwani?
At the mention of Dhwani, all of Daksh' attention went to Chandni.
Daksh: Okay you have my attention. What is it?
Chandni: I spoke to Dhwani just before. She was asking me all sorts of questions about love and how it feels to be in love.
Daksh: So?
Chandni: Well I explained how I feel about Mukhiji.
Daksh rolled his eyes.
Chandni: Anyways, I told her how I feel and she went quiet while I spoke to her. Then I just asked her directly if she's fallen in love and she didn't know how to respond and cut the call.
Daksh: How does that mean she's in love?
Chandni: She evaded the question like as if she got caught. Trust me she's fallen in love with you!
Daksh: Really Di? I mean are you sure? How do you know she hasn't fallen for someone else?
Chandni: Yes, I'm sure. I can't be wrong. This isn't the first time she's asked questions like this. Who else other than you can she love? Do you see any other man in her life. I think you two spending time together has made her realise she loves you.
Daksh: Oh my God! This can't be happening. Tell me again Di, you are sure?
Chandni: Yes. My intuition is telling me she's fallen in love.
Daksh: Are you sure she loves me? I mean me, Daksh Singh Shekhawat.
Chandni: Yes, I'm sure.
Daksh just lifted Chandni and started spinning her around the room in circles. Dhwani loved him. Him! He was willing to wait forever for her but God had listened to his prayers. He finally placed Chandni down and her head was spinning but she was very happy for her brother. He deserved happiness and Dhwani deserved it too.
Daksh: Should I call her?
Chandni: No, not yet. Give her time to revel in this feeling and then she should confess to you soon enough. I hope at least before your official engagement.
Daksh: Thank you Di. You know I love you right?
Chandni: I know, I know.
Daksh hugged Chandni and thanked her again. Chandni Di was his only family but he was adding another person to his family soon enough. He just hoped they would stay happy forever and that no one cast an eye on his family.
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Dhwani's apartment
Purvi got up from her bed, removing Mukhiji's kurta from her face. She couldn't believe that she had fallen in love, that too with a man double her age. Truth is though, love doesn't look at age. She had fallen in love with Mukhiji and that was the truth. She wondered how she was going to tell him? Should she tell him? How would he react? He must feel something for her as they had nearly kissed. If they did get together and that was a big if, then would it be practical? He is double my age. He has 4 children, 2 of whom are my age. Will we have a lot of differences in opinion? Plus he might still be in love with Purviji. Thinking of Purviji, made Dhwani realise something. What if he only likes me and spends time with me because I look and remind him of his dead wife? I don't want to be a replacement for her. I want him to love me for me. These thoughts made her realise that she would need to admit her feelings to Mukhiji or at least find out how he feels for her first.
Dhwani's elation at being in love was dampened by her worries as she considered her options. She placed her head in her hands. She felt something cold on her face. She looked to check what it was. On her ring finger was an engagement ring. The ring that Daksh gave her. Daksh. She hadn't thought about Daksh at all. She was engaged to him but she had feelings for another man. Remembering Daksh made her feel like she was being unfaithful. She had already lied to him about the previous night. Now she could not lie to him any longer. Before speaking to Mukhiji, she would need to speak with Daksh and break off their engagement. She couldn't marry him if she loved Mukhiji. If their marriage went ahead, she would be in Daksh' arms but dreaming of Mukhiji. That would be wrong against Daksh but also against herself too. No, she needed to end things with Daksh, even if nothing happened between Mukhiji and her.
Dhwani decided to call Daksh. She wanted to let him know as early as possible so then their engagement party could be cancelled with enough notice. She took a breath to compose herself and then dialled his number.
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Shekhawat House
Daksh was so happy. If what Di was saying was right, it was the best thing in the world for him. All he ever wanted was Dhwani's love. Yes, she was already marrying him but it wasn't the same as loving him. Their marriage would have been a compromise for Dhwani and a duty. Whereas he wanted love in their relationship and now his dreams were coming true. Dhwani had feelings for him. Looks like spending more time with her definitely helped.
Before he knew it, his love had called to speak to him. He got nervous, not knowing what he was going to say. What if she is calling to confess her feelings? No, she has to do it face to face. I'm not having one of our life's greatest moments over the phone. Having decided what he was going to say, Daksh answered the phone.
Dhwani: What took you so long to answer? I've been ringing for ages.
Daksh: Sorry. I was a bit busy.
Dhwani: I have something I want to say. You're my best friend so I'm going to be honest with you... I...
Daksh panicked thinking she was going to confess her feelings so he responded before she could finish her sentence.
Daksh: Dhwani, I'm getting another call. I'll call you later okay?
Daksh hung up the phone. Dhwani didn't know what to do now. She had finally gathered the courage to speak to Daksh. She was just going to come out and say it but he was too busy for her. With the chance to break up with Daksh gone on the phone. Dhwani started having second thoughts again. Could she hurt Daksh like this considering everything he had done for her?
On one hand she had Mukhiji, an older man with children. A widower, possibly still in love with his late wife. On the other hand, she had Daksh who was her best friend. He knew her inside out and would do anything for her. Daksh was the practical choice but there was just one problem. She didn't love him and she now realised she couldn't fall in love with him after marriage either, as her heart had already chosen Mukhiji. Looks like my mind has already been made up.
Once she thought over things, maybe it was best she didn't break up with Daksh over the phone. It would be more suitable to meet with him in person. Having decided that, Dhwani left it for another day.
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Pratap Singh House
Sudha walked into the house after she met with Purvi. She needed to speak with Mukhiji. Not about what happened last night, she could never bring that conversation up with Mukhiji. She would die of shame. However she needed to make him aware that Purvi has come to realise that she doesn't love Daksh. That she loves Mukhiji. Even though Purvi didn't say it to her, the way she was confused and what happened last night made it clear that she loved Mukhiji. Now all she had to do was realise herself and then end her engagement with Daksh Shekhawat.
As Sudha walked in, she noticed Veer sat on the sofa. She asked him where Mukhiji was, just then Mukhiji came into the room. Sudha asked Mukhiji to sit down as she needed to speak to him. Sudha informed him that she had just come back from meeting Purvi. Alarm bells started ringing in Vir's head. Did Bawri tell Sudha about last night?
Vir: What did she say?
Sudha: Nothing much but I have great news. I think she's in love with you.
Vir: What makes you say that? Did she tell you?
Sudha: No, she didn't tell but I can tell. I've known Purvi for years. She loves you.
Veer: if she didn't tell you then you can't be sure. Stop giving false hope to Baba.
Sudha: I'm not giving false hope Veer. I know Purvi, she loves Mukhiji. She clearly told me yesterday that she doesn't love Daksh.
Vir: She said that?
Sudha: Yes. I think she's going to break off the engagement. At least that's what my heart says she will.
Vir: Yesterday she told me she loves Daksh but now she's confessed that she doesn't. What did you say?
Sudha: I told her to listen to her heart. I think she'll come back sooner than we think Mukhiji.
Vir: Thank you Sudha. For being a friend to Bawri, for always supporting her and now for supporting me too.
Vir was ecstatic at hearing Sudha confirm to him that Purvi was in love with him and on the brink of breaking up with Daksh. This meant soon enough, he could tell the truth to Bawri and go back home to Rewari. As well as introducing Juhi and Manas to her as well. Vir's eyes started watering in happiness. He didn't want Veer and Sudha to see, so he walked away from them and went to his room. Sudha and Veer were left sitting there.
Veer: Did you have to do that?
Sudha: Do what?
Veer: Don't play dumb. You telling Baba that Purviji loves him, when that couldn't be further from the truth.
Sudha: It's the truth. Purvi has fallen in love with Mukhiji.
Veer: Based on a feeling you have?
Sudha: No, based on what I could tell by speaking to Purvi. Don't forget, I've known her since we were kids.
Veer: How many times do I tell you, she's not the same Purviji that left Rewari.
Sudha: I know that. She may not remember Mukhiji, but her heart does. Hence why she's fallen in love with him, all over again.
Veer: You saying that doesn't make it the truth.
Sudha knew how to prove Veer wrong but she didn't want to break Purvi's confidence about the previous night so chose to stay mum.
Sudha: All I'm saying is, I've met with Purvi and I could tell how she's feeling. Anyway, you should be happy. The sooner Purvi tells Mukhiji she loves him, the sooner I'll be out of your life.
The last few comments left Veer stunned. He had heard it before but now it was all becoming a reality and that too very quickly. Before he could say anything else, Sudha had already left.
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After Vir was in his room, he let the tears fall. Tears of happiness. He hadn't been this happy in a long time. He considered what to do. Should I call Bawri and ask her to meet? Or do I wait for her to make the first move? After thinking for a moment, he thought it best to leave it up to Bawri as she had to speak to Daksh as well.
Leaving that train of thought, Vir thought about another person's life which will be affected by the recent developments, Chandni. He would need to let her down. He didn't pay much attention to her flirting with him but she would be heartbroken, once she knew that he liked Dhwani and not her. He would set the record straight.
Vir made a call to Chandni asking if he could meet up with her. She said that he could come meet her in her house. Vir would have preferred a more public setting than her house, but then thought it was probably best. Because if she got upset, he wouldn't have to drop her off home. Vir did feel a little bad for the brother-sister duo. They had both fallen in love with the wrong two people, who happened to be husband and wife. He would reveal that to both Daksh and Chandni but only after Bawri knew the truth. So until then, they would have to accept that their love is unrequited.
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Dhwani received a call from Chandni while she was at work. Dhwani didn't respond straight away but called Chandni Di back as soon as she got the chance.
Dhwani: Di you called? Sorry I missed your call, I'm at work. Anything important?
Chandni: You won't believe who called me today?
Dhwani: Who?
Chandni: Mukhiji!
Dhwani started panicking. Was he going to tell Di about me and him? No, that can't be it. There is no me and him. I haven't told him I love him yet. Then why is he calling Di?
Dhwani: Did he say why?
Chandni: I don't know but he just said he wants to meet me face to face. That he has something important to say. I think he wants to confess his feelings and propose to me.
Dhwani: Di I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you.
Chandni: Why else would he want to meet me?
Dhwani: I don't know. I just don't want you to get hurt.
Chandni: Don't worry about me. I'm a big girl. Well I'll let you get back to work, while I get ready for Mukhiji.
Dhwani: Where are you meeting him?
Chandni: He's coming home.
Dhwani: Oh.
Chandni: Okay bye!
Dhwani: Bye.
Dhwani didn't know what to think after the phone call ended. Why did Mukhiji want to meet Chandni Di? What reason could there be? Mukhiji always ran a mile as soon as he saw Di, whereas this time he is meeting up with her by his own will. She didn't think Mukhiji would reveal anything about her to Di, especially after she told him that their near kiss was a mistake. Dhwani couldn't make out why Mukhiji was meeting Di but she desperately wanted to know. Hence she decided she was going to go to Daksh's house and hopefully find out what was going on. She didn't think her name would come up but just in case it did. She would be there to handle things, just until she told the truth to Daksh. She didn't want Daksh or Chandni to hear her truth from someone else. They deserved that much from her, after all they were her family. Having decided what to do, Dhwani quickly finished whatever work she had left and hurried out of the office.
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Shekhawat House
Dhwani entered Shekhawat house and noticed that Mukhiji and Di seemed to be in an intense conversation. They hadn't noticed that she was there and she felt that they would stop conversing if she entered so she stuck to one side to eavesdrop on their conversation. She wasn't proud of herself and she knew it was wrong but she couldn't help herself. This was exactly why she came here.
Vir: I'm flattered that you're interested in me but I must be honest with you.
Chandni: Honest about what?
Vir: I know you have strong feelings for me.
Chandni: I love you Mukhiji.
Vir: I understand and I'm flattered but I'm sorry but I don't feel the same way.
Chandni: Is there something I lack or something I did wrong? I'm sorry about being a bit clingy but if you give me a chance...
Dhwani could hear the desperation in Chandni Di's voice.
Vir: No, no! There's nothing wrong with you. Any man would be lucky to have you as their wife.
Chandni: Then why? Do you love someone else?
Vir: ...Ermm.
Chandni: You do. Can I know her name? I just want to know the name of the woman who managed to win your heart.
Dhwani got a little bit worried. What if Mukhiji says my name? Should I interrupt? Before she could decide what to do, Vir answered.
Vir: It's not that. It's just... I don't think I can give my wife's place to anyone.
Dhwani was stunned. Of all the answers she expected, that wasn't it. Mukhiji still loved his wife.
Chandni: I understand. You must have loved her very much.
Vir: I still do and I always will. Nobody can take Bawri's place in my heart and my life.
If Dhwani thought the previous statement hurt, this was worse. How did I go and fall in love with a man who loved another? Dhwani decided to leave the house before anyone spotted her but as she was leaving Chandni Di noticed her. 'Hey Dhwani, come on over. Mukhiji was just leaving.'
Dhwani headed towards Chandni Di as Mukhiji was leaving. She greeted Mukhiji as he left and then stopped him with her hands for one moment.
Dhwani: I heard what you just said to Di. Thenkoo. For letting her down gently.
Vir: You're welcome.(Smirking)
Dhwani: What's so funny?
Vir: Nothing, I just remembered something. Anyways, have a good day. Bye.
Dhwani: Bye
Dhwani couldn't understand why Mukhiji smirked but she chose to ignore it and went to meet Chandni Di, who needed comforting. Dhwani apologised to Chandni for what she was going through but Chandni Di wasn't so bothered. Instead she said that the way Mukhiji reacted just made her love him all the more. As he was a proper gentleman. Despite knowing how she feels about him and her actions around him, he could have led her on. Instead he didn't want her to get her hopes up. Chandni Di mentioned how lucky his wife must have been to have had such a passionate, loving husband who still loved her after her death. Hearing this just upset Dhwani. She started getting teary as Chandni Di continued heaping praises on Mukhiji and his love for his late wife. Dhwani just couldn't help but be upset. She realised she could possibly cope with fighting for Mukhiji with another, but how could she compete with the ghost of his past? A dead woman. No matter what, he would always love Purviji. Even if by some miracle, he developed feelings for her, she would forever be compared to his late wife. The same thoughts she had in the morning came back to her. Did Mukhiji only like her because she looked like Purviji? Was that the main reason why he was attracted to her? The thought made her feel sick. She didn't want to be here anymore. She couldn't bear to hear anymore praises of Mukhiji. She knew they were just speculations on her end but Mukhiji openly admitting that he cannot love anyone else, broke her heart before she could even confess her love for him. Dhwani knew she would burst into tears at any given moment so she quickly bid her goodbyes to Chandni Di and made an exit. She needed to get home as soon as possible, so she could reassess what she was going to do.
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Mangal Lakshmi
