To be or not to be-completed(epilogue) - Page 2

Part four

Kiara surveyed her sister who was busy staring at her hands as the two sat on the floor and the foot of the bed.A single candle was burning on the floor in front of them.

"What is wrong Ekam? It's obvious that something's bothering you?"

"Di, I'm sorry.I didn't mean to sound ungrateful or anything.It's just so frustrating at times."

"Let it be Ekam, but will you tell me what's wrong?"

"It's mummy,"

"Well,what about her?"

"Didn't you see her at today's party?She was definitely terrified of something but if I ask her,she'll refuse to share it."

"Ekam, it sounds like you're more upset about her not sharing stuff than being terrified of unknown things in the dark."

Her sister's shoulders slumped.It seemed she had hit the nail right on the head.She moved closer to her and put an arm around her.

They sat in silence for a while .

"I miss both my parents."Kiara spoke up unexpectedly.

"My dad comes to visit once in a while and I don't remember half those visits.I can only recollect eating a lot of chocolate and cuddling enormous pink teddies.When I was younger,he used to visit once in a month just to see me and he'd spend the entire day with me;and there was no Garry to steal his attention away.Then he remarried and the visits dwindled until he stopped coming altogether.I think this week's the first time I'll be seeing him in a long while.

It's so hard and I feel drained.I feel jealous of you whenever I see you and Mamu;infact the four of you fit together.Even if the world falls apart, you're always happy when together.It's difficult to see you and mami together as well.You guys understand each other so well and you always have something to talk about , laugh about."

"Di, what's going on?"Ekam asked her sadly.

"I just feel lonely,"she mused."I know mummy loves me but I also understand that she prefers Garry.It's an open secret isn't it?The two of them are very similar and they fit together .Mind you,they are more than happy to let me join them in their conversations and all but I just end up feeling like a third wheel.I miss dad badly."She sniffled a bit.

Ekam simply squeezed her hand and they waited,hoping the strange night would come to an end.Suddenly,the emergency lights went off as well ,leaving them with the candle spluttering between them.Kiara felt goosebumps break out over her arms as the howling of the wind grew louder.A reverberating crash made them jump.The wind had slammed open the windows and cold air rushed in,making them shiver.

"Di,the candle"Ekam called out urgently

But despite their best efforts,the flame gave on last flicker before going out.They were now clothed in absolute darkness,the chill refusing to leave their bones.The door slowly creaked open and someone stepped in. Kiara could feel her heart in her throat.

"Mami,is that you?"she called out,stuttering in fear.There was no answer,just eerie silence punctuated by the wind.

They clung to each other as the sound of footsteps advanced towards them,each beat more menacing than the next,when it suddenly stopped.Then Ekam let out ab earth shattering scream.Without a second's hesitation,Kiara grabbed her hand and the two of them bolted out of the room,stumbling in the dark.So eager desperate were they to get away from their pursuer that the darkness no longer dissuaded them.

CRASH!!!!

They had run into a glass table in the corridor and both fell.Kiara winced as the glass shards cut her hands and feet.Ignoring the pain and bleeding,they ran for their lives not bothering to check if anyone was really following them.They ran blindly through multiple corridors.When they had reached the top of the stairs,they ended up colliding with someone and all three of them rolled down,landing in a heap at the foot of the staircase.

At the exact moment,the power came back and Kiara found herself staring at the shocked face of her mami.

"Mami,what on earth happened?"she asked,shocked to the core.

Her mami's forehead had a deep cut which was bleeding torrentially.She didn't even seem aware of it.Her right sleeve was ripped as well.

"I heard one of you scream so I ran back."she replied.

Kiara winced in pain.All three of them were badly bruised after that fall down the stairs.On top of that,her mami evading her question didn't really sit well with her.Ekam groaned somewhere between them causing both of them to shift hastily and extricate her from the pile of tangled arms and legs.

"Where's bebe?",Kiara asked.

"WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON HERE?"

A booming voice made them jump.She groaned.They were screwed;Daarji had found them.

"Zara sa ghoooom loooooon maaaain...."

Her mami face palmed.Bebe had chosen the worst possible time to waltz down the stairs ,her decanter held high for everyone to see.

Originally posted by: themasked

Part four

Kiara surveyed her sister who was busy staring at her hands as the two sat on the floor and the foot of the bed.A single candle was burning on the floor in front of them.

"What is wrong Ekam? It's obvious that something's bothering you?"

"Di, I'm sorry.I didn't mean to sound ungrateful or anything.It's just so frustrating at times."

"Let it be Ekam, but will you tell me what's wrong?"

"It's mummy,"

"Well,what about her?"

"Didn't you see her at today's party?She was definitely terrified of something but if I ask her,she'll refuse to share it."

"Ekam, it sounds like you're more upset about her not sharing stuff than being terrified of unknown things in the dark."

Her sister's shoulders slumped.It seemed she had hit the nail right on the head.She moved closer to her and put an arm around her.

They sat in silence for a while .

"I miss both my parents."Kiara spoke up unexpectedly.

"My dad comes to visit once in a while and I don't remember half those visits.I can only recollect eating a lot of chocolate and cuddling enormous pink teddies.When I was younger,he used to visit once in a month just to see me and he'd spend the entire day with me;and there was no Garry to steal his attention away.Then he remarried and the visits dwindled until he stopped coming altogether.I think this week's the first time I'll be seeing him in a long while.

It's so hard and I feel drained.I feel jealous of you whenever I see you and Mamu;infact the four of you fit together.Even if the world falls apart, you're always happy when together.It's difficult to see you and mami together as well.You guys understand each other so well and you always have something to talk about , laugh about."

"Di, what's going on?"Ekam asked her sadly.

"I just feel lonely,"she mused."I know mummy loves me but I also understand that she prefers Garry.It's an open secret isn't it?The two of them are very similar and they fit together .Mind you,they are more than happy to let me join them in their conversations and all but I just end up feeling like a third wheel.I miss dad badly."She sniffled a bit.

Ekam simply squeezed her hand and they waited,hoping the strange night would come to an end.Suddenly,the emergency lights went off as well ,leaving them with the candle spluttering between them.Kiara felt goosebumps break out over her arms as the howling of the wind grew louder.A reverberating crash made them jump.The wind had slammed open the windows and cold air rushed in,making them shiver.

"Di,the candle"Ekam called out urgently

But despite their best efforts,the flame gave on last flicker before going out.They were now clothed in absolute darkness,the chill refusing to leave their bones.The door slowly creaked open and someone stepped in. Kiara could feel her heart in her throat.

"Mami,is that you?"she called out,stuttering in fear.There was no answer,just eerie silence punctuated by the wind.

They clung to each other as the sound of footsteps advanced towards them,each beat more menacing than the next,when it suddenly stopped.Then Ekam let out ab earth shattering scream.Without a second's hesitation,Kiara grabbed her hand and the two of them bolted out of the room,stumbling in the dark.So eager desperate were they to get away from their pursuer that the darkness no longer dissuaded them.

CRASH!!!!

They had run into a glass table in the corridor and both fell.Kiara winced as the glass shards cut her hands and feet.Ignoring the pain and bleeding,they ran for their lives not bothering to check if anyone was really following them.They ran blindly through multiple corridors.When they had reached the top of the stairs,they ended up colliding with someone and all three of them rolled down,landing in a heap at the foot of the staircase.

At the exact moment,the power came back and Kiara found herself staring at the shocked face of her mami.

"Mami,what on earth happened?"she asked,shocked to the core.

Her mami's forehead had a deep cut which was bleeding torrentially.She didn't even seem aware of it.Her right sleeve was ripped as well.

"I heard one of you scream so I ran back."she replied.

Kiara was winced in pain.All three of them were badly bruised after that fall down the stairs.On top of that,her mami evading her question didn't really sit well with her.Ekam groaned between somewhere between them causing both of them to shift hastily and extricate her from the pile of tangled arms and legs.

"Where's bebe?",Kiara asked.

"WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON HERE?"

A booming voice made them jump.She groaned.They were screwed;Daarji had found them.

"Zara sa ghoooom loooooon maaaain...."

Her mami face palmed.Bebe had chosen the worst possible time to waltz down the stairs ,her decanter held high for everyone to see.

That was unexpected 😁😁

Your Kiara is so different from the one in the show

I can't to see what Daarji Does

Part five

Ekam felt sore all over which was not bad considering the tumble they'd taken .She couldn't bring herself to meet Daarji's eyes who was thundering and storming while bebe danced around in glee.

"I can't believe the nerve of Jasleen to let everyone drink so much that they all pass out like drunkards.And Jabjyot,what was she thinking?Oh my poor votti......"

"Daarji,"her mother interrupted him,"as justified as your anger is ,could you please let us take care of bebe before she decides to dance on the roof or something."

"Gurleen ,by god your head is bleeding!"her father burst into the room,concern etched into every line of his face.He noticed her and grew more worried.

"Ekam..."

"Papa, I'm alright.Just a little sore after that fall.Don't worry."she reassured him with a smile.

"I'm also fine mamu,thanks for asking."her di had all but lain down on the floor watching the proceedings with interest .

"Kiara, I'm sorry.Are you alright?"

She simply nodded before replying.

"I'd probably take a look at mami's head first.Just because she looks fine doesn't mean she actually is."

Her father turned to Daarji,"Really daarji,did you have interrogate them immediately, especially when they're in this state?"

Daarji had the grace to look sheepish.At that moment the doors flew open,and in came Yashraj Baweja.

"Dad?"her di asked incredulously,unable to disguise the joy on her face.

"I'm here princess.Oh god, what's happened to you?"

He rushed forwards to hug her di.She glanced at her mother who simply shrugged her shoulders.

"Alright, I've decided what to do.", Daarji boomed.

Ekam struggled to contain her giggles as her father rolled his eyes.A glance at her mother showed that she was in no better state.

"Yashraj,please take care of Kiara .And Jaspal....."

"I'm more than capable of caring for both my wife and daughter.You need not concern yourself with them.Just look after bebe."

She saw her mother sigh.Jaspal Singh Brar had a frosty relationship with his father.While no one knew the root of the estrangement,they understood that both were stubborn enough to not back off. Meanwhile Kiara and Yash uncle had left.Daarji stiffly nodded and inched towards bebe who was currently juggling knives.Her papa just shook his head at him and came over to them.

"Ekam,are you able to stand?"

She nodded.

"Go upstairs to our room and wash up.I'll be there presently with your mother."

She raised an eyebrow at him,"If you wish to talk to get alone,you can just say so."

"Badtameez"he muttered.

She simply laughed and ascended the stairs.As she reached the landing,she turned around only to burst into laughter.Bebe had climbed on top of the table and was jiving to Piya tu ab to Aajaa while her poor daarji was staring at her in horror.Her gaze softened as it settled on her parents.Papa had made mummy sit on the sofa and was tying a handkerchief around her head to stem the bleeding until they could clean the wound and stitch it up.After observing them for a while,she frowned.Something was off about her mummy.Despite her father being very careful,her fingernails were digging into the armrest as if she was in pain.Moreover,her posture was extremely rigid,as if she were trying not to flinch at her Papa's touch.

As her eyes travelled to the ripped sleeve,she wondered,not for the first time,what on earth was going on in this house.

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

While her father had insisted she directly go to their room,she decided to wash up in hers,wanting to give her parents some privacy.When she approached their room,she heard raised voices;they were clearly arguing.

"Gurleen, it's very obvious that you're hiding something from me.Please just tell me what happened."

"I've told you everything.I fell on my way to restore the power and accidentally knocked my head on a table."

"What about the ripped sleeve?"

"It must have gotten caught on something when I ran."

"Honestly Gurleen,do you take me for a fool?Lying has never never been your forte.Please ,just tell me the truth."

Her mother just turned away,unable to meet his eyes.

"Gurleen,please look at me.",he sounded close to choking.He moved towards her and grasped her shoulders and tried to turn her towards him when it happened.Shs flinched and immediately stepped back,her pupils dilated in fear.It was the same expression Ekam had seen down at the pool earlier that night.

Ekam sadly watched her father step back,pain and hurt written in every feature of his face before he left the room.Thankfully ,he didn't see her.Sighing,she stepped inside the room ,shocked to find her mother blinking back tears,hugging herself and shaking.

"Ekam,could you please check on your father?"her voice was surprisingly steady.

"Mummy....."

"Please Ekam."

With one last look at her mother,she reluctantly left,shutting the door behind her.As soon as the door closed ,she heard her mother sobbing.

I love how your adding jaspal and gurleen's past from your other fanfiction to this one.

can't wait for the next chapter.

Originally posted by: Amanita09

I love how your adding jaspal and gurleen's past from your other fanfiction to this one.

can't wait for the next chapter.

Actually Gurleen and Jaspal have a different backstory here.The main focus here is on Kiara,Ekam and Gurleen as individual characters with a little light shed on their relationships with their family members.

Part six

Ekam found her father on the terrace overlooking the pool.The staff had cleared off the remnants of the party and escorted the remaining ladies back to their rooms .The pool looked pristine and tranquil under the moonlight,with the water shimmering in silver.The wind had been replaced by a quiet breeze which tickled her ears.

"Papa,"she called out.

"Ekam?What are you doing here?"

"Mummy sent me to check on you."she admitted.

His expression was unreadable as he turned back to face the pool.She walked upto him and slipped her hand into his and leaned against him.Her papa had always been her rock and it hurt to see him so broken.

"Papa,I overheard your argument.Are you alright?"

"I'm fine puttar.There's nothing to worry about.It was just a small disagreement."

"Disagreement my foot, you're as bad as mummy except she's a marginally better liar."

He had the gall to look offended and she giggled at his expression.

"Papa, I'm not a baby.I have eyes and ears and can very well observe and be aware of what's going on around me.If you don't tell me anything now, I'll go straight to bebe tomorrow and tell her the two of are you are fighting."

"Ekam!",her father exclaimed incredulously,"was that blackmail?"

"Not quite, you can call it a friendly warning.But seriously papa, I'm worried about mummy as well so I really need to know what's going on."

Her father just sighed and and twisted his ring.Ekam noticed it was the same ring mummy had gifted him for some anniversary.It was extra special because it didn't come from the Brar repository;she had used her own savings to get it.It was just a simple gold band but her papa never took it off,deeming it more precious than his diamonds and emeralds.

"Truth be told, I am in the dark as much as you.She refuses to tell me anything."

"Papa,please don't blame yourself.She doesn't tell anyone anything,not even me.It's like an ingrained habit for her.Perhaps she's always been like this."

Her father thought for a moment before replying.

"She was different at one point,when we first met,when I courted her,when she accidentally dumped paint on me..."

"You courted her?I thought daarji was the one who arranged your marriage."

"Well,she did not know I was courting her until daarji talked to her as I was too scared to propose."

Ekam badly wanted to laugh.It was difficult to imagine her now stern father as a nervous young man.

"So papa,care to tell the story of how you first met?"

He simply smiled,his eyes elsewhere.

The Brars certainly knew how enjoy a wedding. Mr.Arora's son 's wedding was no different.Jaspal nervously adjusted his Kurta before walking in.The entire family had come and he prayed he'd wouldn't have to break up a fight between his parjaai and Jassi di.The mehendi rituals had commenced and the Brar ladies wasted no time in joining the festivities.Anant Arora was his best friend so it wasn't a surprise he elected to sit next to him ,a short distance away from the ladies who were singing and dancing.

After a while,he decided to stretch his legs and rose , only to find his shoes missing .He frantically searched everywhere only to end up fruitless.Suddenly ,Angad ran up to him,

"Chachu,I need to warn everyone.The bride's sister is planning to steal the groom's shoes tonight itself when everyone is distracted and not expecting it."

Anant laughed,"Jaspal ,my brother, it's pretty obvious Amarjot mistook your shoes for mine.Just go and explain the situation to her, she'll give them back.She's usually reasonable."

"Usually?"

He simply shrugged his shoulders and everyone went back to their places.Jaspal was left standing barefoot in the damp grass,clueless.He couldn't openly walk into the crowd of ladies and demand his shoes back;the ridicule would never stop.Finally deciding on a course of action ,he took got hold of a shawl and covered his head and face and snuck into the crowd ,bearing a platter of mehendi cones.Since Amarjot was the bride's sister,he decided to sit next to the bride herself, confident he would recognise his quarry.

At first no one noticed him and he was free to observe everyone.Until a voice addressed him,

"Biji,would you please apply my mehendi?"

Did he look that old?

Ignoring that thought,he nodded wordlessly.He took her outstretched hand and started drawing.It wasn't that difficult,considering the practice he'd had with Bebe and Prabhjyot.He didn't dare look up at all lest she recognised him.It took him a while to finish both her hands.

"Areyy puttar, don't you want anyone's name on your hand?"

To Jaspal's horror ,it was bebe who butted in.

She looked rather indecisive.

"Gurleen puttar,tell you what,just have the letter J written."

He groaned at her unsubtle attempts at matchmaking but was forced to comply.

So,her name was Gurleen.She was extremely polite, perhaps she'd help him regain his shoes.

"Gurleen,could you please get the extra comes from the store room?"the bride's mother called.

"Ji auntiji,"she replied before turning to him.

"Beeji,will you please help me?"she asked , gesturing to her hands.

He nodded and followed her to the storeroom.Once they entered,the door slammed shut behind them in the wind causing them to jump.The shawl slipped off his head as he moved and she gasped,about to scream when he stepped forward, forcing her against a wall and covering her mouth.Her eyes widened in panic and she tried biting him.

"Ssshh!Please don't scream Gurleen ji.I really need to talk to you."

Unfortunately,she bit his hand and bolted away,to the window and manged to climb out of it.In the melee,one of her anklets had fallen off which he pocketed,fully intending to return it later.Admitting defeat,he finally located Amarjot and begged her to return his shoes after explaining the mix up.

She simply sized him up.

"Jaspal Singh Brar,your reputation as a stickler precedes you, I'll give your shoes back on onf condition.Beat us in a drinking game."

It didn't sound that bad so he agreed only to find himself seated in front of Gurleen.He regretted his decision when they started.He had to give it to her,she definitely could hold her alcohol better than him.As he passed out,the last thing he saw was a pair of beautiful brown eyes,looking triumphant and concerned at the same time.

"So ,did you get your shoes back?"Ekam asked curiously.

"Yes,your mother returned them the next morning."

"And the anklet?"

"It's still with me but your mother doesn't know."

"Wah Papa!What a story!"

He simply nodded before lapsing into sadness again.She sighed sadly.Something had to be done.

Awhhhhhh

Their love story i so cute here,can't wait for the next chapter

Originally posted by: themasked

Part six

Ekam found her father on the terrace overlooking the pool.The staff had cleared off the remnants of the party and escorted the remaining ladies back to their rooms .The pool looked pristine and tranquil under the moonlight,with the water shimmering in silver.The wind had been replaced by a quiet breeze which tickled her ears.

"Papa,"she called out.

"Ekam?What are you doing here?"

"Mummy sent me to check on you."she admitted.

His expression was unreadable as he turned back to face the pool.She walked upto him and slipped her hand into his and leaned against him.Her papa had always been her rock and it hurt to see him so broken.

"Papa,I overheard your argument.Are you alright?"

"I'm fine puttar.There's nothing to worry about.It was just a small disagreement."

"Disagreement my foot, you're as bad as mummy except she's a marginally better liar."

He had the gall to look offended and she giggled at his expression.

"Papa, I'm not a baby.I have eyes and ears and can very well observe and be aware of what's going on around me.If you don't tell me anything now, I'll go straight to bebe tomorrow and tell her the two of are you are fighting."

"Ekam!",her father exclaimed incredulously,"was that blackmail?"

"Not quite, you can call it a friendly warning.But seriously papa, I'm worried about mummy as well so I really need to know what's going on."

Her father just sighed and and twisted his ring.Ekam noticed it was the same ring mummy had gifted him for some anniversary.It was extra special because it didn't come from the Brar repository;she had used her own savings to get it.It was just a simple gold band but her papa never took it off,deeming it more precious than his diamonds and emeralds.

"Truth be told, I am in the dark as much as you.She refuses to tell me anything."

"Papa,please don't blame yourself.She doesn't tell anyone anything,not even me.It's like an ingrained habit for her.Perhaps she's always been like this."

Her father thought for a moment before replying.

"She was different at one point,when we first met,when I courted her,when she accidentally dumped paint on me..."

"You courted her?I thought daarji was the one who arranged your marriage."

"Well,she did not know I was courting her until daarji talked to her as I was too scared to propose."

Ekam badly wanted to laugh.It was difficult to imagine her now stern father as a nervous young man.

"So papa,care to tell the story of how you first met?"

He simply smiled,his eyes elsewhere.

The Brars certainly knew how enjoy a wedding. Mr.Arora's son 's wedding was no different.Jaspal nervously adjusted his Kurta before walking in.The entire family had come and he prayed he'd wouldn't have to break up a fight between his parjaai and Jassi di.The mehendi rituals had commenced and the Brar ladies wasted no time in joining the festivities.Anant Arora was his best friend so it wasn't a surprise he elected to sit next to him ,a short distance away from the ladies who were singing and dancing.

After a while,he decided to stretch his legs and rose , only to find his shoes missing .He frantically searched everywhere only to end up fruitless.Suddenly ,Angad ran up to him,

"Chachu,I need to warn everyone.The bride's sister is planning to steal the groom's shoes tonight itself when everyone is distracted and not expecting it."

Anant laughed,"Jaspal ,my brother, it's pretty obvious Amarjot mistook your shoes for mine.Just go and explain the situation to her, she'll give them back.She's usually reasonable."

"Usually?"

He simply shrugged his shoulders and everyone went back to their places.Jaspal was left standing barefoot in the damp grass,clueless.He couldn't openly walk into the crowd of ladies and demand his shoes back;the ridicule would never stop.Finally deciding on a course of action ,he took got hold of a shawl and covered his head and face and snuck into the crowd ,bearing a platter of mehendi cones.Since Amarjot was the bride's sister,he decided to sit next to the bride herself, confident he would recognise his quarry.

At first no one noticed him and he was free to observe everyone.Until a voice addressed him,

"Biji,would you please apply my mehendi?"

Did he look that old?

Ignoring that thought,he nodded wordlessly.He took her outstretched hand and started drawing.It wasn't that difficult,considering the practice he'd had with Bebe and Prabhjyot.He didn't dare look up at all lest she recognised him.It took him a while to finish both her hands.

"Areyy puttar, don't you want anyone's name on your hand?"

To Jaspal's horror ,it was bebe who butted in.

She looked rather indecisive.

"Gurleen puttar,tell you what,just have the letter J written."

He groaned at her unsubtle attempts at matchmaking but was forced to comply.

So,her name was Gurleen.She was extremely polite, perhaps she'd help him regain his shoes.

"Gurleen,could you please get the extra comes from the store room?"the bride's mother called.

"Ji auntiji,"she replied before turning to him.

"Beeji,will you please help me?"she asked , gesturing to her hands.

He nodded and followed her to the storeroom.Once they entered,the door slammed shut behind them in the wind causing them to jump.The shawl slipped off his head as he moved and she gasped,about to scream when he stepped forward, forcing her against a wall and covering her mouth.Her eyes widened in panic and she tried biting him.

"Ssshh!Please don't scream Gurleen ji.I really need to talk to you."

Unfortunately,she bit his hand and bolted away,to the window and manged to climb out of it.In the melee,one of her anklets had fallen off which he pocketed,fully intending to return it later.Admitting defeat,he finally located Amarjot and begged her to return his shoes after explaining the mix up.

She simply sized him up.

"Jaspal Singh Brar,your reputation as a stickler precedes you, I'll give your shoes back on onf condition.Beat us in a drinking game."

It didn't sound that bad so he agreed only to find himself seated in front of Gurleen.He regretted his decision when they started.He had to give it to her,she definitely could hold her alcohol better than him.As he passed out,the last thing he saw was a pair of beautiful brown eyes,looking triumphant and concerned at the same time.

"So ,did you get your shoes back?"Ekam asked curiously.

"Yes,your mother returned them the next morning."

"And the anklet?"

"It's still with me but your mother doesn't know."

"Wah Papa!What a story!"

He simply nodded before lapsing into sadness again.She sighed sadly.Something had to be done.

Jaspal and Gurleen are soooo cute. ❤️