One shot: The legacy of us (ft. Ruhi and Abhir)

This is an 10000 word count story written over 3 days of time. this is my version of happy story for them.

i dont give a shit what thukkad shahi and co does for Ruhi now. this story is my endgame

Thank you goes to Itsshonali cause she was writing some fantastic stories on Ruhi/Abhir and i got this idea.

stupid IF and its formatting oh my god please ignore

So what she’s not the legacy.

She will write her own destiny.

Dragging a suitcase in one hand and holding a baby between her chest, its not the most difficult thing Ruhi had ever done in her life. She has attended her mother’s funeral, lost people close to her,mourned them, and felt pieces of her heart going with those.

But she didn’t know mourning living,breathing human was possible.

The sky above her grumbled, and she hurriedin her steps.

Ruhi watched the rain droplets falling onroad, water drops splashing one after another in a never ending rain. The nightwon’t end, she thought, patting the baby softly on its back. It came naturallyto her, without even thinking about. That’s what motherhood is, she supposed.

Mother. She’s a mother now.

She was a mother a few months back too. And before that, when she saw two pink lines on a test and cradled her stomachwhenever she felt overwhelmed. She had dreams, hopes, so many wishes andmemories to build. Baby this, baby that. She had a notebook full of names. Somany baby clothes she received from her family. . .

At the end, nothing was her choice. Not thename. Not the toys. Not the clothes. Certainly not the memories.

She couldn’t go to Goenka house. A placeshe has called home for 20+ years, but she can’t make herself to dial thenumber of her Bade Nanu, share her misery- how she was betrayed by a man shethought was her own. How her dreams of future and memories of past is taintedin one night. How she received this biggest blow in her life, something sounimaginable, she never saw it coming! She wanted to cry, she wanted to yell.But she did nothing. Ruhi stayed numb, patting her baby’s back. Daksh. His namewas Daksh.

Rain continued throughout the night.

She walked to a hotel finally after therain had stopped being too harsh. Seeing her dishelved state with a fussingbaby was enough to melt anyone’s heart. She was allotted a room quickly, anddouble checking the locks, Ruhi finally released a breath she was holding sincelong.

The baby won’t stop crying. She won’t callhim Daksh. It’s baby for her, as of now. Baby is fed, diaper changed. She lethim cry for a while, as she sat in the floor, away from the bed, catatonic. Thebaby was almost asleep. The moment he was in Ruhis arms, his little facescrunched up and he started to cry softly, then with full blown cry whichshattered her cold hard exterior, piercing her soul.

Ruhi tried walking up and down in the smallhotel room . She tried to sing, her voice cracking at the highs and lows ofpitch. She made faces, she twinkled her bangles to make pretty sounds. Nothingcould stop the cries. And soon, Ruhi was crying alongside him, her petite bodysobbing as she sat on the bed, slowly rocking the baby back and forth.

What kind of mother she is, a voicewhispered to her. She can’t even soothe her baby.

Maybe she’s not a mother.

She has missed so much. . .

The baby cried itself to sleep hours later.Ruhi ran her finger through his soft hair, chubby rosy cheeks, his smallfingers and toes, crying softly. Slowly, she moved away, keeping watch on thebaby from a distance.

Her eyes never left the baby’s face.

She had thought it’s an affair. She hadwent to the nurse’s house, guns blazing. How dare she do this? How dare she tryto take the one, good thing Ruhi had now? Can’t she see, she has losteverything? No parents, no family to call her own, no one to love, all dreamsand hopes shattered? How dare she lay eyes on her Rohit? Her good, kind, gentlehusband? Her husband, god amongst mortal. Who had cleansed her soul, forgivenall her transgressions, held her in his arms and loved her with all he had. Howdare another woman tries to take this one last good thing she has?

The nurse was frightened. No one had stooda chance when Ruhi was angry.

She had expected the standard responses. Nomadam, there is nothing between us. Trust me. I didn’t do anything. Butsomething unexpected was revealed. A horrible lie. An impossible truth. Andwhen Ruhi was back to Poddar house, days later, it was still running in herhead.

Rohit sir is hiding a big thing aboutyour baby. The baby is alive!!

Ruhi wanted to trust her, against her ownjudgement. The idea was so tempting – if she has her baby with her, her familywill be completed. Just like she has dreamt of. She tried to rationalize in herhead- she was in coma. There might have been some mistake. Maybe something wasmissed.

She didn’t hope too much. It will hurt justmore if she dreams of an impossible thing and it don’t happen.

Ruhi went to hospital, met the doctors and nurses who were taking care of her when she was admitted. The primary doctor couldn’t meet her eyes. It pricked her, but she didn’t press much.

She couldn’t explain to herself why she didn’t tell this to Rohit. Or her Bade Nanu. Or anyone from her Sasural.

There was a kidnapping incident related tobaby, with the usual living room group discussion drama as it always does. Ruhiwould have enjoyed this comeuppance of this foolish behavior of Abhira, but hermind was somewhere else. The idea of her baby out there, somewhere. Her living,breathing baby. Her dream. Her prayer.

She went to hospital next day. Cornered thedoctor who stammered when he spoke, still couldn’t look into her eyes. Ruhi hadenough- files and chairs were on floor, pages torn, broken glass everywhere. Itwas a madness.

She didn’t care

The doctor broke down finally.

There was a conspiracy- such heinous crime,so deplorable to even think about. Something which one can’t even think fortheir enemies. And Ruhi was in middle of it. And the cruelest part is, it wasall her dear ones. At least, she had thought, Rohit was the one person who’sher own. Full right, body and soul and heart. Made just for herself, as she wasmade for him.

She collected the documents, cctv footageand other necessary items from hospital, gave such a hateful look to the doctorwho cowered, and walked out.

By evening, she had thrown the papers onRohit’s face, took her baby from Abhiras arms, packed her bags, and walked out.

Rohit begged. She has to give it to him. Hefell on her feet, cried ugly tears, folded his hands to beg for forgiveness. Itwas such a pitiful scene, so hard to look at. The shell of a man at her feet,crying for his wife and kid. The baby he couldn’t even hold all these time.Couldn’t assert his rights as a father. He has missed out on so much too.

But then, it was all his doing, wasn’t it?

Ruhi has a sudden thought as she waspacking her suitcase.

Was it an elaborate plan to teach me alesson? Did you plan it months before, when I said to you, let’s give us achance. You said yes. You looked happy. Did you plan since then, to stab me inmy heart the most cruel way possible? Was it your revenge, meticulously planned?After all these time?

What are you saying Ruhi . . . Come on.Don’t do that.

Answer me! Was it all your plan? Whenyou said you loved me? When you touched me? When you kissed me. Was it all alie? Were you always planning to do this? Were you happy to see that finally ihad surrendered myself to you in every way possible?

No! No no. God no! Please. . PleaseRuhi.

Don’t touch me.

Ruhi would be proud of herself- she didn’tcry. She didn’t hold his collar to demand answers. She was calm, collected. Her voice was strong but she didn’t shout. Rohit did everything for both of them,just like he took a decision related to their baby- his half and her half- anddidn’t care about her opinion. Let her think her kid is dead. Mourn him.

He said – she was in coma. The doctors saidthey didn’t know when she will wake up. He was overwhelmed. He didn’t know howhe can take care of his baby. He realised he couldn’t do this. He couldn’traise his kid with the uncertain future in front of them. His brother had losthis baby. He made a decision. Give his child to him. Donate his own flesh andblood. As if it’s a thing. Like loose coins to exchange at a shop. Toothpastefor 10 rs. Responsibility for baby. She didn’t know what Rohit got out of thedeal. Maybe relief from responsibility. Maybe he never wanted a baby. It washis elaborate scheme to teach her a lesson.

Rohit had begged and pleaded. Others sawthe drama as they always do.

Vidya touched her hand to stop her when shewas dragging a suitcase, baby on her chest.

Maa, you have always loved me since thestart. You have been my mother too. Please don’t stop me tonight. You know aninjustice has happened with me. I can’t live here, under the same roof withhim. Please understand.

Vidya had tears in eyes, but she hadremoved her hand.

Ruhi wasn’t sure how many days had passed.She sleeps, wakes up with sound of baby’s cries or croons. She feeds him,changes him, touches him everywhere she can. But not too much. It still feelslike a dream which can end any time.

She don’t want to leave the room. But shealso realised, she can’t live here forever. She has a responsibility now. Sheis a mother now. A baby depends upon her, and damn her if she’s making anyother mistakes to fail him again.

She has too many missed calls in mobile.Ruhi scrolled through them, idea of a plan in her head.

Her first hesitant steps to future.

Manish jumped to see her, striding quicklyto her, eyes anxious, yelling for suwarna and surekha Ruhi is here come fast, taking the baby from her arms- it felt wrong immediately, her fingers itched.Ushered her inside, thousand questions buzzing. Where were you, how are you, doyou know how many days it has been, why you weren’t picking up calls, we wereso worried .

I am here for my documents, Bade nanu. Itold you over call.

Yes, yes beta. Talk to us. We heard fromwhat happened. . . Rohit had called so many times. We all were looking for youand Daksh. Where were you staying?

At a hotel.

A hotel?! With a small baby? Beta that’svery irresponsible. Why didn’t you come home?

Ruhididn’t answer. She went to her room, skimmed though documents and tookimportant ones, took her baby and was ready to walk away.

They were alarmed. The why where how’sstarted.

I need to figure out things in my own. Iwill take care of myself, I promise. And the baby? I will care for him over mylife.

There are days she’s in so much pain thatshe can barely move to go bathroom. She curls into herself, her body folds likeits made out of jelly. She feels feverish, she feels like this is the day shedies. But she doesn’t. And she has to get up repeatedly to feed the baby, croonto him so that he can sleep, ignore her body and soul screaming at her to stop,take rest. There is no happiness where she looks at him. She don’t smile, shedon’t make silly faces, she don’t tell him stories like she had imagined shewill. And she wonders – maybe she’s not the mother at all. She’s not hismother. She can’t be a mother. It has to be a joke. She can’t take care of him.It’s been days she’s holed up in this tiny hotel room with a fussy, newbornbaby. She can’t stop him from crying. She can’t soothe him like a mother would– like her matashree used to. When her matashree touched her, she used to feellike it was heaven. That things will fall in places. The baby probably feelsher touch as poisonous. It probably burns him. That’s the reason he cries.

She’s not the mother he wants or needs.

On a day she feels better enough to movearound, she wraps the baby into the softest blanket she could find in hersuitcase, double checks her lock and heads out. She wants to go somewherequiet, but in this locality it’s not that easy to find.

She sees the temple.

She had such fond memories of this place –before it went to hell. Her holding pallu of Manjari dadi. Sittingthrough various bhajans. Learning the hymns and rituals.

Ruhi never had to ask for something fromGod. Without even wanting something, her family was wiped off. She had alwaysbowed to him out of fear – who else now? What else now? Like a shoe that wasabout to drop anytime. Always waiting, dreading. On the edge of a cliff whereshe had found herself all her life.

She sits in a corner with the baby andwatches the idol. Without blinking, without stopping her tears streaming onface. It turns dark, people leave, but she don’t move an inch. Where will shego? In that hotel? That’s not a home.

Years later, Ruhi is still searching for ahome for herself. She had thought she had it all finally.

There was a touch on her shoulder, and shestartled, her head snapping to meet the person. The baby was hidden away in herchest, shielded with both hands. Not him. Not after everything

There was a man – maybe same age as hers.Curly hair, dressed in half jacket, tshirt and torn jeans. Eyes beseeching,with so much pain in those orbs that she paused.

The eyes were too familiar. The touch wastoo comforting.

Ruhi? Ruhi. Ruhi chuhi. It. . . It’s me.It’s Abhir. Billa boy. You remember me?

Ruhi stared at him.

Her first reaction was to break downcrying, shaking so violently that she herself was afraid that she wasn’t safefor her baby. The man . . Abhir. Her Abhir. Her brother. He held onto her onlya way a brother would. His hand was on her head. A comforting, strong presencein this tumultuous time of her life.

Her brother. Her bhai. After allthese time.

She asked thought her sobbing, head bowedto him. How? When? After all these time? Why was he here? How he recognisedher?

I went to Bud. . . Goenka house. Sawyour picture, Ruhi chuhi.

Did you meet Bade Nanu?

Abhir shook head.

Why?

His jaw clenched, eyes clouded. He didn’tanswer her – not this question. Not now. Maybe, not ever.

He started to ask her – and Ruhi had tostifle a hysterical laughter bursting out of her. How can she answer him? Fromwhere she should start? How much should she tell? Shouldn’t she ask him? Shegot her brother after so long.

Ghar chalein? Abhir had asked.

Ghar?

Mere sath chal. Abhir had wrapped his armsaround her gently, and together they walked away.

Abhir was staying in the poshest hotel inUdaipur. Ruhi, finally recovered from her hysteria, was starting to observe.She will ask him questions one after another, with time.

She’s not in a position to interrogate himnow.

Hours later when they are well fed – Ruhididn’t know she was this hungry – and the baby, surprisingly sleeping withoutany fuss, Abhir asked her again.

Kaha se suru karoo? Samajh mein hi nahiata.

Suru se. Abhirsaid gently.

She started from the dreadful day of herMatashrees death. How she woke up to a world where her poppy was nowhere to beseen, just a handwritten note from him was all he had left to her. How Birlas –Manjari especially fought for Ruhi so that she could come with them to USA.Manish and suwarna had objected firmly, and after everything it turned ugly.Seeing Ruhis delicate mental state where she couldn’t even speak to anyone,Manjari left with broken heart.

How years later, Ruhi had fell for a man.She thought he had fell for her too, but his care always fell short in from ofhis family. Marrying the wrong person, with so much heartbreak and emptypromises. More empty promises, something forbidden. Left at alter, her dreamsshattered. How she had fallen so low in her illusion of a happy life with aloving husband. How she found her way back, coming home to a worthy man. Orwhom, she had thought, was worthy.

She stuttered through the pregnancy andaftermath saga, unable to breathe until she felt Abhirs gentle yet firm touchover her hand. She laid bared everything – the good and bad. Uncaring how hemight judge her for her to transgressions. There was someone, finally, who hadasked her what happened.

When she finished, wiped her tears andlooked back, his eyes were red rimmed, jaw clenched.

That basta.d Abhir had looked up, andlaunched into a rant with choicest of words which would make a sailor blush.Ruhi smiled, tiny smirk in the corner of her lips.

Shh. Not in front of the baby.

His eyes widened. On cue, the baby woke up,and they both held their breaths. Fortunately, he didn’t cry or squirm. Hiscurious eyes were on this new stranger.

Before Ruhi could take him, Abhir moved,gently scooping him in his arms.

Maine jaga diya apko? Apka naam to mainepucha hi nahi. He spoke in a low, sing song voice,looking at her.

I didn’t decide yet.

Chalo, apko kuch naam deta hu. Hmm .Mitthu. Did you like it, golu molu? Your cheeks are just like your mumma. He looked at her, mirth lurking underneath. He held baby’s tiny handand waved it. See your mumma. Hi mumma. I am Mitthu. He is my Mamu. My nameis Abhir. Ok Mitthu?

He can’t speak yet.

Oh don’t worry. The first thing he willday is Mamu. Hai na Mitthu? Golu molu . .

Abhir freaked learning she’s in a lowpriced hotel, firmly shook his head that no, he won’t let her go there. Nope.Just get her luggage. He will send someone. He will set her up somewhere. Ruhirealised how much time had passed. There was a time she disliked him for takingelders attention from her. She became his first friend, tried to help himadjust to his new reality. And he’s doing the same, after all these years. Withfull right too. Ruhi couldn’t find it in herself to refuse his help. It’s beenso long she had someone beside her. Maybe she can stop and catch a break. It’sfine to let someone else decide things especially if it’s her brother.

Abhir had rented a nice one bedroomapartment in a nice locality. He had arranged shifting her luggage, oversaweverything so that she has no issue. He would come every evening to herapartment – he would say it’s for his Mitthu. Ruhi recognised lonelinesswhen she sees it.

At least the baby is comfortable with him.He don’t cry much. Even though she didn’t warm up to the name Mitthu.

I was thinking . . . Tomorrow I will goto a lawyer. To file divorce.

Abhirs eyes had shined. About damn time.I will come with you.

I will also file a request for birthcertificate change. For him.

What have you decided?

Riansh. Riansh Birla.

Abhir had grinned, looking down to baby inhis lap. Did you hear, Mitthu? You will get a grown up name tomorrow.Riansh. Cool name no?

No Abhishek abhimanyu abhiman? He asked funnily

No, we had enough of that.

Don’t forget abhinav too.

They burst out in laughter, and the babydid a happy gargling sound too.

Ruhi asked one day – where have you beenAbhir? And he had indulged her.

When I found Dadda, tab pata chala kiaisa ho sakta hai ki main kuch zidd Karu, aur meri wish puri ho jaye. Daddaalways listened to me. I want this, I want that. I want you to marry my mother.I want you to stay with us. He had indulged till the end. We had left Goenkahouse. We were staying in this beautiful house next to hills in Champa. It wassupposed to be the day they were going to be married. My mumma and my Dadda. Iwas going to have my family again.

Mumma already left for temple. Dadda andI stayed for a while at house, then left for temple. The weather turned badalmost immediately – I should have understood. The signs, the warnings. But my ziddhad finally happening, I was too happy.

There was a sudden landslide. A bigboulder hit our taxi. We fell down a cliff. Dadda was shielding me. Of coursehe was. He was severely injured. He bled to death in front of me.

When I opened my eyes, I was at ahospital. No one came for me. It was impossible. Where was my mother? Somehow Iescaped from hospital, reached our house. I was always so good at finding myhome.

It was locked. She had left. Just likeshe had left me last time. She went a step further this time. She didn’t evenbother to wait for our dead bodies to turn up. She uped and left. Left me. Leftus.

I couldn’t handle the stress. I hadfainted in front of the house. When I woke up, I was in a house. An orphanage hadtaken me in. It raised me.

I kept looking for my mother. I went toDU, and from Delhi I spent more time searching for her. there was nothing. Like she had vanished from earth. I keptwondering if she was dead too. I searched for an obituary too. There wasnothing.

Years later, I saw a news about her.Akshara Sharma, the big shot lawyer. She had won a case for slum dwellers. I searchedfor her and reached Mussoorie. It was a dead end too. The resort she wassupposedly running was closed. I got to know what happened. Some thug hadkilled her in broad day light. She was dead..my mother was gone.

I didn’t know why I came here. To Udaipur.From where it all started and ended. Where I found my family and lost them toosoon. I went to Goenka house, I told you. I saw Manish goenka there. I didn’ttell him who I was. I couldn’t. I hate him, Ruhi. If only he hadn’t thrown outmy mumma. If only he had asked her to stay back. One phone call to her. Iwouldn’t be growing up with strangers. I wouldn’t be alone without anyone. Iwould have my mumma and Dadda with me. I hate him, Ruhi. I hate Manish goenka.

Ruhi rubbed her face with both hands,wiping away all tears.

There was a news about landslide. We allhad suspected – Bade Nanu said it matches poppy too much. He couldn’t go there.The situation was too bad.

She had hesitated before speaking – it wasall too heavy tonight.

Look, Abhir. I won’t try to dictate yourfeelings. But . . . Maasi was responsible for my matashree. You remember right?She had confessed to everyone. I had heard it too. She had come to be askingfor forgiveness, I was too scared of her. I remember that day very well. Andyou know the saddest thing. She had promised her she would take care of me. Shehad said Neil aur Aru nahi hai to kya, main rakhungi khayal. She was so nice,so sweet na? But she broke that promise too. She left and took my Poppy too. Hechose her over me – I used to think that all these years. But now that I have ababy, I understand him better. He took care of me so well. How he could haveleft Akshara maasi alone? But I am still not over it. Little bit, this muchanger is still inside me. I needed him too much, you know? If he was there . .. The shit I did in my obsession with Arman? He would have slapped the shit outof me. And he had never raised his hands on me. But even I know that would havebeen his breaking point.

They both started to laugh hysterically atthat.

Ruhi had to find a job. To sustain herselfand the kid. To pay rent. To do something with the hours when she has nothingin her head except for past memories and future uncertainties.

She has contacts and Goenka jewellerybusiness experience with her. But no one wants to hire a new mom, work fromhome is a no no.

Of course her Bhai stepped up.

Main hoo na. Ja Tu kaam pe. Mamu andMitthu will be fine without you. Yeah yeah I know what you will say. But abhir,your job? You have a life too. That life will be for evening time. Go, shoo.Leave us men alone. Hai na Mitthu?

Abhir is into music. Akshara masi is therein her spirits. He sweared up and down that he don’t do boring shits likeclassical like his mom. He showed her some videos of his rock band, performingin front of thousands of people. The music made her ears bleed, Abhir had ashit eating grin when he said he’s already singing these songs to his Mitthu.He declared his nephew is the unofficial member of his band, just when he’s 3he will be recruiting him officially and no he don’t want to hear hercomplaints.

The idea that he will be there in her lifegoing forward makes the burden on her shoulder much lighter.

Ruhi got an interview with a reputed, rivaljewellery empire of Goenkas for the position of designer. She brought her olddesign, smiled nicely and answered everything nicely. The same day, she got thejob and was signing paperworks.

A man was introduced. Her boss. He staredat her bit too much and she frowned, suddenly self conscious. He shook her handquickly and abruptly left the room.

Strange man, Mr Dev Ranawat was.

(How much it costs to raise a child thesedays? How much is the cost of diaper, formula, routine check ups, vaccine,clothes and others? Add everything. Make that her salary.)

Haan haan pata hai. Pila dunga time pe.Diaper change kardunga. Toys idhar hai. Clothes yaha pe. Pata hai sabkuch. Kuchnaya aye to youtube pe dekh lunga. Message krta rahunga every 15 mins. Videophotos bhejta rahunga. Ab ja. Bye mumma, Riansh bolo bye mumma. All the bestmumma. Bye. . .

Ruhi makes extra breakfast everyday. She’spleased to see it’s empty when she returns.

Tujhe nahi milna Abhira se?

So much concern? You are missing her?

Ruhi slapped his arm lightly at this wiseass remark.

Abhir gets serious and unserious so fastthat it takes her by surprise, after all these time. Sometimes he will makesilly faces at Riansh, his eyes shining. Sometimes the clouds will be so heavyover him that he drowns in them

Us din, tu ne explanation di thi Manishgoenka ke liye. You remember we fought before mumma me and Dadda left? Youknow, I saw it. My mother in a car, hitting Arohi maasi. It was accidental, butit happened. And I know when Manish goenka told her to leave, that was righttoo. He was trying to protect everyone. Mumma could have been jailed. It wouldhave been traumatizing especially for you. But still, I am not able to stophating him. It is burning inside me, Ruhi. My heart has decided on an originpoint. From when it all started, and it identified him. It’s not rational. ButI can’t let go.

Abhira?

It’s the same thing. I was so excitedfor the baby. I had names planned, I had noted down what games I can play withmy baby brother or sister. I wanted to be the best elder brother they had. Itwas childish, I was so naïve. I so tried to desperately hold onto happiness Icould find after Abhinav papa died. I don’t want to think about her. If I thinkabout her, I have to remember my mother too. A mother who didn’t waste a momentto leave. I think back about my childhood so much, you know. I remember cryingfor a pair of shoes. We lived in such poverty that she had drilled it in myhead that asking for anything was a sin. I had heard about my extended families– that I have a Mama, I have grand parents. I never saw them. I came to Udaipurand my life changed. My father changed. My family changed. My mother pushed meaway cause she was too poor. She pulled me in too. Finally she let go of me andyears later, I am still reeling from it all. Point is .. the point. I don’twant to meet her. My namesake. Just an added A. Maybe later. I don’t know. Butnot now. She . . . She didn’t even tell anything to her, ruhi. Dadda and Ididn’t exist for her. How do I even go to her and explain the history? No. . .No.

Ruhi had the papers. She was in office –she has a cabin, which is unusual but suits her just fine. She had called Abhirand of course he understood what’s up from her tone.

Do you want me to go with you?

No. I need to do this on my own.

Ruhi stared at the majestic Poddar housebuilding for a long time. The shine was duller somehow. The house has lost itsallure. There was a time she had thought, this house holds the key to herhappiness. She thought she was going here for Arman. Then again she returnedand that was for Rohit.

This time, it’s for herself.

Manisha Chachi and charu was sitting inliving room. They stopped talking when they saw her, rushed to her and lookedbehind her.

Daksh?

Riansh. Nahi layi use. Ruhi was polite, and greeted the family members as they arrived.Rohit rushed in after a while, in a dishelved state. He looked maniacallyhappy. It looked like hope.

She moved back when he tries to hug her andhanded over the divorce papers.

Predictably, chaos ensued. The how’s andwhy and Manishji should be here and we can sit and talk and ae ladki kyabakwas hai and so much more. Bade nanu and Nani came rushing in no time. Ruhididn’t care. Her decision was already taken, her goal was set.

Rohit was begging again, fell on her feet,wept do hard his chest was hurting at the weight of it all. Ruhi recognisedthat, she used to do the same thing too.

I know I made a mistake. A big bigmistake. I will do anything. But not this. Not this Ruhi. I can’t live withoutyou or Daksh. I will die Ruhi.

I changed the name. It’s Riansh. RianshBirla. I don’t want to share the custody, but it’s within your right to fightfor it. If you dare to ask for more than co parenting, or solo custody, orunfair timings, I will air all dirty laundries in court. You will never see mybaby then.

It's my baby too!

No! No. Never say that again. You havelost all right when you handed over the baby to your brother like a toffee!

Ruhi had lost her patience.

How dare you? How dare you Rohit? In myvulnerable condition to take such a decision? You were ready to let me think mybaby is dead till the day I die wasn’t it? How could you? You say it’s notrevenge, but I guess it is. You served it really well, Rohit. I never saw itcoming.

Please Ruhi..I told you. It was not likethat. You were in coma! We didn’t know when you will wake up! I couldn’t bearto raise the baby without you.

Were you always this weak, Rohit? I mustbe so blinded in love. You live in a joint family and you could handle a baby?Your own baby? Are you serious Rohit? I stayed with the kid all alone..i walkedout of here and I handled it somehow. All alone. And you are telling me youcouldn’t do it? I can’t believe your audacity. What kind of a man you are? Howcould I fall for someone like you?

Ruhi I told you. That. . . Was adifferent situation. I felt bhaiyya bhabhi was better to handle the baby.

What does it mean by better? Explainthat Rohit. I want to hear right now.. say it!.

You were careless with the pregnancy!You were paranoid, delusional, extremely negligent. You missed your medicines,you were losing weight. I told you so many times Ruhi, stop competiting withAbhira bhabhi. But you didn’t listen to me. You went to drive a car in thatday. For god’s sake ruhi. How could you be so reckless? It was a miracle thebaby survived. And top of it all, you went to a fraud baba to know about thegender of baby. It was insane, ruhi. How could I have trusted you to care for ababy? What if it was a girl? I . . . Went through everything in my head. Idecided that was the right decision. I thought when you are awake and well, wecan have another chance. Another baby. Bhabhi couldn’t have that. But recently,I was second guessing my decision. I wanted to get the baby back. I gavebhaiyya an ultimatum..but you got to know the truth. You didn’t even pick up mycalls Ruhi. I was so worried about you two.

Ruhi was speechless and disgusted with him.This was the man she had shared her bed with. She could throw up – it wassickening. They were words of a sinister man hidden behind a pretty face.

You know Rohit, my father’s family? TheBirlas. We were happy family. We were . . a unit. We had the guts to call outeach other’s stupidity. We would stand by one another at times. Maybe we didn’thave culture of celebrating every festivals but when we came together, therewere beautiful memories. And mostimportantly, birla women weren’t weak or submissive. They didn’t need anyonespermission to study, fall in love or work. They were independent selfsufficient women. My badi ma was Birla hospital head. Her husband used toassist her. My Dida had the guts to divorce her husband when she was in her50s. And my matashree was a doctor too. You can’t imagine how difficult it wasto adjust in your orthodox family. To ask for permission for every damn things.But just for us – not for abhira. Ae ladki. Ae ladki was bestest, thebrightest, she was beginning and the end. Sun shines she wakes up. She can do anythingshe wants, just rules for us. She can get the royal treatment for bare minimum,get cabin over people who had decades of work experience, get all the love andattention from everyone as others scrape by. You know dadisa were alreadytalking about making armans kid future heir? How she gave all cases from you toabhira and arman? How your own father thinks so low of you? You know howdifficult it is to live under a shadow like that? Where you are invisible,without any light? Where no one will care for you unless you are abhira, orarman..not elders, not young people. Rohit, your cousins don’t even speak to meproperly. I am not abhira no. What I wanted to tell was Rohit, a lot of thingswere ongoing. And I kept telling you so many times that this is unfair, fightfor yourself. But you dismissed me every time. Said I was being worried for noreason. But I could see Rohit. If my baby was a girl, she would loseeverything. She will have to ask permission for everything, cast aside causeit’s not abhira and armans kid. If it’s a boy, at least he has a fighting chance.And I am not excusing myself. That was a dangerous thing to do. That baba in noway could have predicted the baby’s gender. But I was desperate Rohit. No onewas listening to me. My husband thought I was crazy. In laws thought I was toobitter. My mayke wale didn’t even call me to ask about my health. I had lost ababy and now one cared! Not a single soul.

She couldn’t stay a second longer.

Sign this Rohit.

Arman had called out to her on the way out.

I don’t know what to say. Sorry is toosmall word..what we two have done is criminal. Lies, betrayal, letting youthink your kid is dead. Letting abhira think her dead baby is alive. It’s just horrible.And I am so so sorry for the pain I have caused you. I should have never takenthe baby from Rohit. I didn’t want to. But I knew abhira will be broken. Icouldn’t . . This is not an excuse I am making. I am so sorry. Divorce withRohit . . .

Arman, you remember when my engagementwas fixed with Rohit, and you had come to meet me? We had such a big fight. Andyou had said – I can’t pick you over my brothers happiness. Family matters toomuch to me. You were always such a pushover. Listening to others taunt, as ifyou aren’t a member of this family, a legal heir by blood. I used to like that,you know. But now. . You disgust me. Youand your brother. How could you Arman? What happened to the righteous lawyer?Or the lawyer is too blind when it’s not serving his purpose? His abhira, hismother, his dadi, his mother. What about others Arman? They don’t have value?They don’t have heart, they don’t bleed? Or in Arman poddars dictionary theyhold no meaning? Since when you became this pathetic person Arman? Since whenyou stand by lies and defend it? You were in that car with me and to snap meout of my madness, you were ready to drive off a cliff. And you look at youArman. To spare your wife’s feelings you are ready to commit a crime. Thisisn’t love Arman. This is immaturity and being a doormat. Arre, you don’t evenhave the guts to call out Abhira. When she’s taking a week old baby out, youshut others mouth cause you can’t bear to hear truth. You couldn’t tell her thebaby died cause she’s weak. You couldn’t tell her it was a stupid idea to have ababy when both of them could have died. It’s not her who’s weak. It’s you. Youbowed down to kaveri poddar. You have another one in her place. So you keepyour sorry to yourself. I don’t want a weak man like you to bow to me.

Abhir is out of town for a few days and heapologized profusely for it. As if he has to hold his life our just because heagreed to baby sit his nephew. Ruhi rolled eyes, said yes it’s fine, yes shewill manage, and no she won’t need a nanny..Riansh isn’t even six months old.It doesn’t feel right .

She carries the baby to office cause thereis no other option. Her cabin is sound proof, isolated in a corner near herboss’s cabin. He sleeps quietly, and his soft snores keeps her company. Ruhiate in the room, and was almost dozing off after lunch. The day is too slow.Usually she will call Abhir or Abhir will send Riansh’s pictures and videos.She missed her brother already.

There was a knock at the door. One by oneseveral women colleague entered, greeting her sheepishly, then making a beelinefor the baby. They oohed and ahed over him – such chubby cheeks, he will be sotall, whats his name, you should bring him to office more, no no he should beat home, such a small baby- and Ruhi tried to remember this nazar thing her Manjaridadi used to do on her. Immediate thing once she goes to home.

Maybe the idea of nanny isn’t too bad. Shecan afford for a few hours too.

She was waiting for the crowd to clear,smiling politely, when she saw him. Her boss. Standing tall and observingeverything, waiting patiently for them to notice him. Ruhi was amused to seehow the ladies jumped, said sorrys and byes and left in a hurry. She bit herlips to stop smiling and looked away.

She assured him no they weren’tdisturbing him, it’s okay and saw with surprise the man heading towardsRiansh, peering at him with his curious eyes. Baby stirred a bit, looked up,then slowly fell back to sleep again. He was thoroughly entertained today, andhe didn’t even cry.

He cried less since Abhir came to theirlives.

There will be a meeting with a potentialcustomer next week. I tried to send them detailed design and everything elsethey needed, but they want a personal meeting with the designer and me. Ipushed for a zoom meeting too, they wouldn’t budge. I assume it won’t bepossible for you to leave the baby alone. And travelling with him isnt possibleyet.

That’s the longest he had ever spoke. Thelongest time he had spent talking to her was right now.

That will be a challenge. I will try tomanage something.

That’s all I can ask for in your currentsituation.

My situation..?

He had moved away from the baby, hands inpocket, those dark eyes fixed on her as he spoke. Ruhi felt intimidated by himsomehow. Or maybe it’s men that’s starting to bother her.

I saw one night. You were at a bus stop,with a suitcase and baby. It was raining that night. I was coming to back fromoffice, my car was stuck in traffic when I saw you. I wanted to get outimmediately. I shifted my eyes for a while, and you had vanished. It botheredme for a while, but I said to myself that maybe that lady has gotten some help.Weeks later, it’s by chance that I saw you here. You were looking for a job.And since you had joined, you come on work on perfect time and leave by 6. Youare on your phone smiling at it during breaks. I am assuming it’s cause you areseeing your baby. You had figured out how to keep him safe in your absence. Andmost likely it’s not available today.

Ruhi stared at him, mouth agape. She didn’tknow she was revealing herself this much. Or that her new boss was seeing toomuch. She didn’t know if it’s flattering or intimidating that he knows so muchwithout even her saying a word.

She wanted to ask – did you give me a jobout of pity? Is it all a charity? But she kept quiet. She needs this job. He’sbeing considerate enough to inform her about the meeting.

She will manage as of now.

Ruhi said everything about that encounterand Abhir won’t stop smirking. It was annoying. She didn’t understand it.

Has kya raha hai?

Nahi, kuch nahi. Kafi acha boss haitera. So nice. Is he handsome too?

Do you want to date him?

No, I am looking for a suitable man formy sister. . .

Ruhi slapped his arm.

Thappad khayega.

Woh to maar hi diya na?

Aur chahiye shayad. Sun na. Kuch bol na.Thoda awkward nahi hai? Main kuch puchu kya?

Abhir had rolled eyes again, and finallyexplained patiently. That her Boss, Dev, was being a gentleman. He saw ahelpless woman and tried to help her, and not know what happened still plagueshim to this day. That he’s attentive enough to see what’s going on. He didn’tmake her feel uncomfortable. He was being gentleman, which world don’t havemany these days. So she should shut up and work. He will take care of hisMitthu. He can skip one evening of rehearsal for him happily.

He held onto Riansh’s tiny arms, waving ather.

Dekha Mitthu. Apki mumma na thodi buddhuhai. Buddhuu. Hi buddhuu mumma. Hiiii. There was aslap. Apki budhu mumma rahegi nhi ek raat. Main aur aap bohut Masti karengehai na? Ekdam bhul jayenge mumma ko. Mumma byeee. Byeee

When ruhi moved to hit Abhir again, thebaby held onto her finger and squeezed, gargling happily.

She felt tears pricking in the corner ofher eyes.

Rotlu mumma.

Abhir thappad khayega tu .. .

All in all, life was going good as of now.In a long time, she felt truly happy. So what she’s living in a tiny one bhkapartment. She had her brother, her baby. She had a job, very fulfilling daysand even better nights spent with her family. This is her family now. Nothingelse mattered.

Abhirs phone was buzzing one evening. Heinsisted on making tea, and she believed him to make decent one. The phonesscreen kept on liting up.

She craned her neck to see the number andwas shocked. It was her Bade Nanu.

Abhir! Bade nanu call kar rahe hai. Wohkyu call kr rahe hai tujhe?

He rolled eyes.

So the truth was finally out. She hadunderestimated Abhirs anger. Apparently their bags were exchanged in a freak coincidence, and he had to visit goenka house. Manish was there, thinking Abhirwas a mannerless brat. One thing led to another and Abhir snapped. He yelled athim, stopping just shy of cursing. Let out years of frustration and list offailure, and by the end of it Manish was in tears.

He kept glancing at her, maybe thinking shewill shout at him too and how dare you to do this him and get out from here.

Shanti mili aisa karke? Bataya kyu nahi?

Mujhe laga bata dunga to barsegi mujhse.Tera pyare B nanu.

Kabhi baat karte dekha hai mujhe? Thatchapter is finished, Abhir. Woh rishta khatam ho gaya hai. I don’t have energyto spend on him, tell him this is where you have faulted. I don’t want to go tothat house and reconcile either. I am fine here with you and Riansh. Merifamily.

He raised you right. At least you hadsomeone.

Don’t make me laugh Abhir. Atraumatizing childhood is no better than growing up with strangers. I grew uphating Akshara masi and knowing Bade Nanu still missed her and hid herpictures. I didn’t know what hurt more, him unable to share my rage, or that hewill hide from me. When I married into Poddars- no, actually..before that..waybefore that. I stopped being a naatin to him. He kept up appearance, sure, butit was evident he didn’t care much about me. Cause I wasn’t Akshara masi. Orabhira. That’s all mattered to him. You know, his business was in loss. I hadworked to clear debts and put the business back together. He changed his will.Ruhi poddar and abhira sharma..he would not tell me why. Why so much concernfor a stranger? Why you can only see her tears and not mine? Why you won’t loveme like you do to her, almost immediately? I hated him at times. Itna pyar thato kyu nahi rakha maasi ko yaha. Main chali jati hai usa. I had my family theretoo. He cut off that relationship, I can’t even call them. It’s been so long. Afterages I got to know about Abhira. They tried to force the sisterhood too much.It won’t happen.

Cause of armaan?

Partially yes. There is too much badblood. Too much history. I can’t see her in some other light just because weare connected by blood. I could never pretend.

Yep, I will know. Abhir that color isbad. Ew abhir bad nainting.

Painting

Ha wahi wahi

They two burst out in laughter.

Abhir was too quiet one evening . She hadreturned from office and he didn’t even notice her entering the room with akey. He didn’t ask about her day, he won’t answer what happened.

She found alcohol bottles in his car. Shepointed them calmly, but he was freaking out. Saying sorry over and over again.Reduced to tears, head bowed. Her brother.

She pulled him into a hug.

Bata. Kya hogaya. Agar bola na kuch nahito thappad khayega Abhir.

Abhira knew she has a brother. Ruhi wasexhausted with the secrecy business. Better to announce it in paper or something.Abhir snorted at that. Apparently his namesake sister was very happy. Came tohis place with her husband in tow, hugged him tightly, called him bhaiyya.Abhir didn’t share the enthusiasm, clearly taken aback. She was sad. Arman waspissed. They two had a physical fight and Abhirs bandmates had to break thenapart.

Will it have any repercussions on yourcareer?

You don’t have any questions on . . Onher?

Kya kahu? That I am surprised Arman wasthere. That’s he’s still the doormat? Or that I am not surprised abhira jumpedinto the relationship quickly. She did the same to me. She grew up knowing shehad no one but her mother, but now she had everyone. Of course she’s happy. AndAbhir, you can take her name. I am supposed to dislike her. She’s your bloodsister. The baby you were so excited about.

I didn’t want to think about the baby.When I got to know mumma survived and raised her, I stopped myself fromthinking more too. I didn’t want to compare our childhood, drowning in misery. Ihad stopped thinking. I didn’t want to be involved. I was fine alone.

No one is fine alone, abhir. Don’t saythat.

I don’t want to become someone’sbrother.

You are my brother

You know what I mean.

Ruhi knew what he meant. That it was toomuch for him. Running away from everything only to it finally colliding to youis such a slap in the face. She didn’t want to think, but Abhir had nointention to tell anyone he's alive. He saw her in that condition in templethat’s why he stayed back. Probably she would have seen her on streets andnever knew him. Abhir wanted it. But now everyone knew. And everyone expectedtheir parts of relationship. They wanted to move on with sorrys thank yous andforge a connection. He couldn’t . Like she couldn’t. So he didnt want anyrelationship. No brother, no son, not grandson. He wants to be left alone likehe was.

Give yourself some time, yeah?

I am really sorry about the bottles. Itwas so stupid of me. I will get rid of those. It will never happen.

I am not a prude. But I don’t want you todrink too much and drive recklessly. And fight other men.

He hit me first.

I am sure of it. Where are you hurt?

You should see him. There was his smirk. Ruhi lookedaway to stifle her own smile.

On theday of court hearing, Abhir tagged alone, his Mitthu hanging from his chest ina baby wrapper. Kyu, isko godi mein lu to problem hai tujhe? And he wontgive him to her. Ruhi thought about last couple of months. There was not onemoment she could think her brother wasn’t there with her. Doctor appointment,daily shopping, anything house related, or normal chitchat. Abhir was alwaysthere. Her mr dependable bhai. Essentially a second parent to her Riansh.

She sawAbhira walking towards her, and turned to see Abhir. Predictably, he hadvanished, and the girls rolled eyes at his antics. For all his maturity, he wasalso so immature in some ways. Or maybe, that’s how hurt children like themcope. When there is no one to soothe you or make you laugh, this is how theycomfort themselves.

Abhirastopped seeing her and Ruhi wished she hadn’t. there was nothing to talk about.

I am really sorry about the baby.

Its not your fault. Our husbands are theculprits. They cheated us.

How is Daksh?

His name is Riansh. Ruhi spoke blankly, and sawAbhira’s face became pale.

Is there nothing we can do to make youforgive Rohit? Is it really the end? Maybe you guys can go for counselling. . .

No. this is not something I could comeback from. I cant trust him. I was almost dead, and he did this behind my back.There is no coming back from this betrayal.

I know. I understand. Arman was sodevastated too. He said he did this for me. For a long time I didn’tunderstand. I am trying to take it slow. We rushed into remarriage so fast. Butwe will be there. Its so sad to think about Rohit bhai wont have his happiness.

Sometimes you need to let go of people.There is no point dragging a relationship when there is no love, no happiness,no trust. Just carrying on cause a twisted idea of love. Its not love. Itsslavery. Poddar house has taught me this. I refuse to carry a dead relationshipany longer. Its over. It might sound hypocritical. I cheated him first. But ifhe had done this to me- left me. Divorced me. Hurt me. I would have understood.But this. No.

Those were not ideal situation, Ruhi.

I know. I think about what ifs a lot.

Abhiralooked around.

He ran away seeing me, didn’t he?

Ruhisaid nothing. She really didn’t want to move from a difficult situation only tofall in another dump.

Can you tell him . . .

No. I wont. That’s his decision.

You can keep aside our differences andhelp me. I want my brother. He needs me and our family too. Why you aren’t stayingwith B nanu? Hes so sad these days.

Ruhi hadno desire to say anything. Arman came to stand by his wife- or ex wife-whatever. He gave a nod, and didn’t meet Ruhi’s eyes.

His facelooked horrible.

Of coursehe caught the last bit of sentence and started to pursue Ruhi regarding Abhir. Nothingchanged, really. Nothing will change. Glad she could change herself and removeherself from the situation.

Ruhi cutin between the duos rant about Abhir.

You really tried to hit him? This iswhere you have fallen to, Arman? And you want Abhir to family with you guys? Whereyou were Abhira when you husband and brother was in a fight?

I removed them immediately. They were soangry.

Arman wassaying something. Ruhi didn’t care.

Abhirappeared out of nowhere. Seeing the baby strapped down his chest paused them. Hegave a dry look to the couple, turning to Ruhi.

Chalein?

Armanstopped him. He had the audacity to hold Abhir’s arm. To his credit, he shookit off almost immediately.

Abhir bhai. . .

Don’t touch me. I am not your brother. AndI don’t speak to criminals who swap babies. Excuse us.

He draggedRuhi away and to distract her, started to speak to Riansh in a baby voice.

Ruhi spoketo Abhir- weeks later. She didn’t want to intervene, she understood complicatedthings from both sides. Complicated situation, not impossible. And her brotherdeserves his full family too. She didn’t want to intrude too much- Abhir hasalways given her a wide berth.

Whenevershe mentioned Poddars, Abhir will tease missing arman much? But neverRohit. He never took his name.

I am not trying to get into this. I amreally not. God knows I hate it. Its just- its not Abhira’s fault, you know? Shewas a victim too like both of us. Maybe you can try to reach out to her. She haswent through a lot. She wanted a baby so bad. Maybe you can try to ask how shewas. She will appreciate it, I am sure. You can have two sisters even thoughthey don’t like each other. I don’t have any problem.

Abhir didn’tspeak for a while. Ruhi distracted herself by patting Riansh’s back softly-shehad just fed him before Abhir turned up.

Thanks for the blessing, I guess.

And? That’s all you have to say?

Yep.

Fine then.

Just say na you miss Arman.

Aj to thappad maar hi deti hu tujhe. Itnashaitan hai na tu Abhir . . .

Abhir didgive a chance to everything- albeit, on his own terms and conditions. There wasa tentative reaching out from his side, the how are yous and did you eat phonecalls. Slowly he warmed upto Abhira. It was so sweet to see Abhir lighting uptalking about her. He never hesitated to share things with Ruhi. Just like shesaid, he had two sisters and he carried on the relationships very well. This issomething, she guessed, was imbedded in his DNA thanks to their father. Her poppyand his Dadda. If only he was here to guide them.

Ruhi sometimescry thinking about him. But she don’t cry much these days.

She hadher own phone calls and messages now. and she knew in her bones, this was a correctdecision. It was logical and came straight from heart.

Dev wasa good man.

Abhir couldn’twait to meet him officially. He teased her until she was bit red all over her face.

Decades later,when they were wrinkled and aged, and when Abhir would smirk with his charming,eyes twinkling smirk, there would be so many lines around his mouth and eyesthat she couldn’t count. She probably had similar lines on her too. They had agood decades between them. So much laughter, so much new memories. So muchhealing and hoping.

They hadtheir own families now. happy little units of love and hope. For damaged kidslike them, it turned out pretty good.

Ruhitaught her son and daughter how to have a similar relationship like Abhir andher. With strong foundation of love, laughter and good hearts, they were as closeas she could ever hope for. There were no malice, there were no bitterness,there were no jealousy, no wishing bad on each other.

They hadbroken the cycle. Their legacy was something different.

Something to live for.

the end

This was such a sweet, heart warming and absolutely beautiful portrayal of Ruhi and Abhir's story, their feelings and their journey.

The divorce, moving on and finding love again finally having the family that they craved for.

Every bit of it was beautiful written. I loved it!

You should write more!

I loved it 😍 you wrote it so beautifully ..It is like I travel through Ruhi's heart ..Like I jumped in to a tunnel that even for a minute I didn't stop , continued reading until the end....

There stands a little girl who lost her life crying holding her dead mother's hand ..Who.lost her father even before she entered earth..

She had a guardian angel called Poppy he too was gone , ..she grew up with her insecurities, fear , loneliness and tears were her friends , the dreams of loosing her sanity scared her soul.There stands the little who refuse to leave her fears , who living to get abandoned and betrayed , and mocked by many . I don't defend saying she was right but I can see her as human being who suffered, lost entire family

your story Ruhi has Abhir and her baby , loved it ..

Besti this is so so so beautiful! I completed this in one go. It was such an emotional roller coaster. Abhimanyu is and always will be my favourite and the way you described his end felt just right 🥺 He died protecting his son even in his final moments 💔

This is the Roohi Aarohi Neil Birla we were robbed of in the show 🥺

This story is the kind of Closer Roohi, Abhir and Riansh Birla deserves. You made me so emotional rn 🥺

Ah u made me weep buckets of years ..my bro in a similar situation helped me walk out but I did not have a baby ..

I am glad that he eventually did have a civil relationship with abira ..I understand hsi reasons to wait until ru is fine.. perhaps cause they are og birla siblings with their own traumas and their childhood love to hand on to that bonds them

I hope at some time armaan realises that he is lawyer has a brain and diff person from.his wife and she realises she does not need validation ..science has grown and so many ways ..if nothing u can adopt

wonderful os🤩 i loved how you showed abhir and ruhi bond and how ruhi left poddars and never looked back 🤩

Abhir , riyansh and ruhi shared such a wonderful bond 😍

Originally posted by: Phir_Mohabbat

This is an 10000 word count story written over 3 days of time. this is my version of happy story for them.

i dont give a shit what thukkad shahi and co does for Ruhi now. this story is my endgame

Thank you goes to Itsshonali cause she was writing some fantastic stories on Ruhi/Abhir and i got this idea.

stupid IF and its formatting oh my god please ignore

Meri dost meri evil soul sista tu ye bhi karti hai

Ye apna talent pehle kyo nhi dikhaya