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EPISODE FOUR
It was around 5 months after Riddhima?s 6th B?day. Smriti entered the study holding a cup of tea in her hand & saw her husband setting up his newly bought computer on his table. Yes they have bought their first ever computer. Riddhima stood by her father watching him fix the computer excitedly. Those days computer werent common house hold equipment like today.
"Lo ab mera kaam thoda aur asaan ho jayega" he cleaned his hands with a towel & took the tea. "Ab tum bhi computer operate seekh lena aur mera kaan mein haath bataana?" he told his wife.
Smriti shook her hand negatively "Na baba? main nahi haath lagaoongi ise? kahi ise kuch ho gaya to? Itna mahenga hai? bekaar mein nuksaan ho jayega?"
"Arey kuch nahi hoga?"
"Na? main nahi chedoongi? khud hi kaam karna is teen ke dibbe ke saath" she left the room while Kartik laughed at her.
"Papa? main seekhungi, phir main aapke kaam mein haath bataaongi?" Riddhima told her father who lifted her in his arms & moved in the hall.
"Bilkul seekhna? tum to meri smart beti ho? jaane do tumhari mummy ko, use to kuch nahi aata?" he teased his wife who glared at him while sitting on the sofa in hall.
"Papa min sabko bataoongi ke mere papa mere liye computer laye hain?"
"Nahi Riddhu, papa woh apne office ke kaam ke liye hain, tum use haath mat lagana, kharaab ho jaayega?" Smriti warned her daughter while she pouted.
"Arey kyun daant rahi ho meri beti ko? mere kaam ke liye bhi hai aur iske liye bhi." He said. Smriti was about to retort back but they heard someone enter the hall.
A man came forward, who looked just like Kartik, which indicated that he was related to him. The only difference was that he had a wheatish complexion unlike Kartik who was fair. He came forward while a 10 year old boy (who probably was his son) followed him. They greeted each other & sat on the sofa while Smriti left to the kitchen.
"Kaise ho Shashank bhaiya? aur beta Rahul tum?" Kartik asked his brother.
"Main theek hu chachaji" Rahul replied.
Riddhima was too excited to show her new computer to someone, so she buzzed in "Rahul Bhaiya, chalo mere saath, main aapko apna naya computer dhikaoongi" She pulled his hand with both her tiny ones, trying to drag him with her while Rahul looked a little surprised.
"Haan jao Rahul, Riddhima ke saath jaake khelo?" Kartik added. Rahul left with Riddhima.
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As they entered the study, Riddhima showed him their new computer proudly. Rahul watched the equipment with great astonishment. He had never seen one before, but only heard about it. "Wow yeh to bahut achcha hai"
"Haan papa ne mere liye laya hai aur pata hai woh apne office ka kaam bhi karenge ispe? Aur mujhe game bhi seekhayenge? Aur woh kah rahe the ispe games bhi khel sakte hain" Riddhima informed him innocently in one go.
"Achcha, Games bhi khel sakte hain" he was amazed "kya main bhi ispe khel sakta hu?"
"Haan aap bhi khel lena? par pahle mamma se poochna padega, woh kahti hai ki ise haath lagaane se yeh jaldi kharaab ho jaata hai"
"Oh?" Rahul sounded disappointed which somehow didn?t go unnoticed by little Riddhima.
So she added putting a hand on his shoulder. "Don?t worry bhaiya? mamma ne mujhey bhi haath nahi lagaane diya, par main papa se bolungi, woh mujhey aur aapko khelne denge"
She saw Rahul smiling back at her.
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"Kartik tumne computer khareeda hai?" Shashank questioned him.
"Haan bhaiya, actually maine socha zamaana badal raha hai aur agar business badhaana hai to nayee technology ko saath leke chalna hoga" Kartik replied sincerely.
"Lekin woh to bahut mahenga hota hai na? tumhe nahi lagta ki in sab cheezon mein paisa lagane ki bajaye kahin kaam ki jagah pe ye paisa lagaate to jyada fayeda hota, yeh fizul kharcha kyun?"
"Yeh fizul kharcha nahi future investment hai bhaiya? I am sure computers be all over the business world in near future, so why not be prepared for it."
"Pata nahi, lekin itni jaldi kya thi, thode aur saal ruk jaate, tab tak aur pata chal jata? waise bhi in dino market bahut tight chal raha hai? kabhi bhi koi emergency aa jaaye to?" Actually Shashank was expecting some financial help from his younger brother Kartik. But now that he saw him spending money on such type of luxurious gazettes, he got apprehensive about it.
Kartik sensed his hesitation, so placed a hand on his "Don?t worry bhaiya agar koi jaroorat padi to main hoon na? main sab sambhal loonga?" he assured him "Waise mere pas apke liye ak surprise hai?" he added quickly & took out an envelope from the drawer of the table lying besides the sofa. Shashank looked at him confusingly as he handed over the envelope to him. Kartik signaled him to open it.
As he opened it & read, his confusion turned into a wide smile and he looked up "Kartik yeh??"
"Haan bhaiya? yeh aapke liye hai? please mana mat kijiyega?"
Shashank nodded thankfully "Thanks a lot Kartik, main jald hi tumhe yeh lauta doonga"
"Kaisi baat kar rahe hain bhaiya? there is no need to do that? its all yours? aapne bhi to mera kitna khayal rakha hai maa-baba ke jaane ke baad? kya mera koi farz nahi banta?"
Shashank looked at the cheque of 2 lakh rupee & then at his brother. He was grateful to him to understand his situation. Shashank was trying to make his little business work, but have failed in it. He made several incorrect decisions because of which he was bearing lot of looses. Kartik on the other hand, had much better business sense. He has expanded his business in last 6 years. He was not a big fish, but was one of the trusted & upcoming name in his field of work.
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Rahul folded his hands on his chest stubbornly "Nahi mujhey kuch nahi maloom? mujhey bhi naya computer chahiye" he demanded his father.
"Beta computer bahut mahenga ataa hai? kuch aur batao, main tumhe laa donga?"
"Nahi mujhe computer hi chahiye"
"Bete hamare paas abhi itne funds nahi hain, kuch saal ruk jao tab main tumhe laa donga?" Shashank tried to explain.
"Nahi mujhey abhi chahiye?" Rahul still didn?t buzz.
"Kya hua? kya chahiye mere bete ko?"
"Mumma" Rahul ran toward her mother who just came back from market with one of her relative. "Papa meri baat nahi maan rahe? mujhe bhi computer chahiye Riddhima ki tarah"
"Computer?" she looked confused.
"Haan Kartik chachu ne Riddhima ke liye naya computer laya hai? who bahut achcha hai mamma? mujhey bhi waisa hi chahiye?" Rahul wailed.
"Padma ab tumhi ise samjhao? meri baat to sunta nahi, shayad tumhari hi sun le?" Shashank came forward and took the shopping bags from her.
"Arey bhaisaab bachcha kah raha hai to maan kyun nahi lete" the woman accompanying Padma said. She was a shrewd looking a little fat woman wearing a green silk saree in a weird fashion.
Shashank looked at her "Naina bhabhi yeh kya kah rahi hain aap? bachchon ki har zid nahi maani jaati?" he said irritated. Why she always has to interfere in their family matters he thought. She was Padma?s first cousin?s wife, who always interfered in their personal & non-personal matter trying to show as if she was the most caring person.
Padma had quite a group of such relatives who always tried to be overfriendly with them for their own interest. They always provoked her for some or the other things. Padma?s rant nature, always gave them a chance to gain what they want. They always successfully win their own ill-motives by taking advantage of her somehow arrogant & insecure behavior.
Though Shashank didn?t like them much, but his own insecurities and problems never allowed him think of them oddly as they were all quite expert sugar-coating things. His self-esteem & desire defeat Kartik, which was another thing planted in his mind by Padma?s cunning relatives, never gave him a chance to re-think and realize that he was actually surrounded by a lot of Evil Foxes. So he never said anything, after all another reason was, they were Padma?s relatives.
"Arey bhaisaab, bachchon ki fizul (useless) zid nahi poori ki jaati, lekin waajib (valid) maang to puri kar sakte hain" she tried to reason "Padma ke bhaiya bata rahe the, ki computer bade kaam ki cheez hai? kitne saare kaam yu minton (minutes) mein ho jaate hain us se?" she clicked her fingers? "aur aage chalkar yeh saare offices mein bhi istemaal hua karenge"
Padma heard everything and as usual got excited about the idea. She was provoked by her Bhabhi, who actually was trying to draw her own interest in it. Padma said "Shashank agar itne kaam ki cheez hai to laa kyun nahi det? aur phir Kartik bhi to laya hai"
Shashank didn?t want to discuss anything in front of her bhabhi as he was the only one who better knew his oen financial condition & didn?t want to publicize it, so he said "Hum iske baare mein baad mein baat karenge" he left the room with that.
As soon as he left Naina worked on Padma again "Padma chodna mat, mana lena bhaisaab ko, aur waise bhi us Smriti ke ghar mein koi cheez aaye to tu kyun peeche rahti hai? to badi hai us se, tera to pehla haq banta hai har cheez par? Waise bhi ab uski naak unchi ho jayegi, sabko batati phiregi ki hum Padma se jyada ameer hain?" she salted Padma?s ear.
Padma being an easy target for such depraved people as always fell for the ploy. She replied firmly "Jaanti hoon bhabhi? main Apni aan neechi nahi hone doongi?"
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That night Padma argued & fought with Shashank to fulfill her son?s undue demand, more to satisfy her own ego. Shashank tried his best to explain that they weren?t in a financial condition to afford such luxurious things. But Padma didn?t buzz. Finally Shashank gave up, but only he knew that he cant do that.
For next few days Padma didn?t even speak to him properly showing her anger.
It was one day when Kartik visited their house sensed tension between his brother & sister-in-law. He tried to enquire the reason, but Shashank shrugged off saying its just a little Husband-Wife thing. But Kartik got to know the actual reason somehow, thanks to blabbermouth Rahul.
Kartik discussed it with Smriti & decided to send his own computer to Shashank?s house as he didn?t want to spend another thousands of rupee & also he wasn?t in too much need of a computer. He could still manage without it. Smriti happily agreed without any fuss. Little Riddhima did got a bit sad, but her mother did convinced her and like an understanding grown up daughter she didn?t argued with her parents.
Shashank didn?t look pleased with the idea as it hurt his ego, but he had no other choice. Things were going out of hand. He agreed with weak heart, and Kartik even persuaded him not to tell Padma that he has brought the computer from Kartik?s home. Padma & Rahul both were too excited & pleased to see a new Luxury adding to their house while Padma?s bhabhi looked happy upon her victory that she had such an effect on the family.
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EPISODE FIVE
Few weeks just before Riddhima's seventh B'Day something happened which changed her life forever. It was a bright sunny Saturday when center of the Solar System was on its full zing. Heated rays were burning everything in its way. Road was almost deserted on that highway. One reason was heated day, another was that it was lunch time.
A car moved on the road on a reasonable speed towards the city area. Three passengers sat in it going towards a farmhouse located on the outskirts of the state to spend their week-end. Two tiny hands clapped while singing a school rhyme, sitting at back seat. The man driving the car was singing with the girl, but he had his complete focus on the road. The woman sitting on the passenger seat next to him was watching the scene outside through the window, while smiling and enjoying her husband & daughter's cute melody.
A Few Kilometers away, was huge concrete loader coming from the opposite direction. The truck was drove at lighting speed towards the city. Suddenly, it looked like the truck driver lost his balance on the steering. He turned it to the right & then towards the left trying to control it. The steering slipped off hands a few times. He griped it tightly & moved it right again and then ?
***SCREECHHHHHHH? THRASHHHH? THUDDDDDDD?***
It crashed into a car coming from the other end. The truck stopped immediately. Its driver jumped out with his helper & peeped into the car. A man laid with his stomach stuck badly between steering wheel and driving seat. The woman sitting besides him was lying at some distance from the car as her body was thrown outside since the door on her side opened because of the vigorous force. A little girl?s fragile body was hanging between the front seat and the back seat. Her legs were still entangled by the seatbelt with her face lying on the car-floor. All the three bodies looked as if they have been dipped in a tub of blood.
The glass of the windscreen was broken & its pieces were spread all over the road & the side track where the car was hanging between a big cracked earth and a side track. It was a horrible scene which could shatter even the heart of a stone, if it had one. The bonnet was crushed, 3 of the tyres were flatttened, and the roof was destroyed. In short, "The car" was badly smashed.
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An ambulance came screaming loudly and stopped in front of a hospital. A number of ward-boys came running & took three unconscious bodies into the emergency wing. Doctors rushed trying to provide the first aid to the almost brought dead bodies.
A doctor shook his head negatively after checking one of the bodies. It was a body brought dead. Another set of doctors were trying to save other two lives. One, out of three gained conscious.
After a few hours a man came rushing in & went inside the emergency ward to meet the person.
"Mr. Gupta can you hear me?" the man asked him quietly.
Yes it was the car of the Gupta family. The three victims of the accident were Kartik Gupta(30), Smriti Gupta(27) and Riddhima Gupta(6). Mrs Smriti Gupta was already declared ?brought dead?. Mr. Kartik Gupta was in an extremely critical condition and little Riddhima?s state was also miserable, but she was out of danger.
As soon as Kartik regained his conscious he has asked the Hospital staff to call his brother and one of his friends, who was also his Legal advisor as well as his lawyer. He has sensed that his end was near. His lawyer friend has come immediately after hearing the news. He has brought the necessary papers Kartik has asked him to bring along.
"Nana, have you brought everything?" Kartik asked him in a weak voice.
The lawyer, Mr. Naneshwar Ramesh Deshpande was one of the most loyal friend, Kartik had. He could trust him for anything & everything. He was a 32 year old man with a little dark complexion and bearded face. He was a friendly gentle man who has always stood by his friend.
"Yes Kartik Bhai? but why did you ask me bring these papers?" though he could see Kartik?s condition, but his mind was still not ready to agree that he is gonna loose someone very close to his heart in the next few minutes.
"Nana?" Kartik managed to speak in great pain. "Smriti chali gayi, aur woh mujhey bhi bula rahi hai? I don?t think I will survive? but before leaving, I want to make sure that my little Angel?s future is secured and safe."
Nana forwarded took out the legal papers and read out the various clauses of his "WILL".
"I, Kartik Gupta, son of Late Shri. Shiv Prakash Gupta, am writing this will in my full conscious mind, which will lay safe with my friend and lawyer Mr. Naneshwar Ramesh Deshpande. Since my wife is also deceased in this accident, I am also adding her wishes to this will.
First of all, I declare that all my properties, my business, cash in various bank accounts, my wife's jewellery and other belongings, and everything which belongs to me including my house to be transfered under My daughter Miss. Riddhima Gupta?s name. Since she is a minor, I declare my elder brother Mr. Shashank Gupta to be his legal guardian, until she is 18years of age. Till that time my business shall be taken care by my elder brother Mr. Shashank Gupta with the help of my Lawyer Mr. Naneshwar Ramesh Deshpande. No other Lawyer should be replaced by him. I give Mr. Deshpandey, my lawyer, the sole responsibility to appoint or nominate any other Lawyer of his own choice in his absence.
An amount of Rs.10,000/- per month will be sent to my brother?s family for my daughter Miss Riddhima Gupta's monthly expenses. Another amount of Rs. 10,000/- should be rovided to my brother's family on a monthly basis for their own house-hold needs as a gratitude from me. In case of any emergency, any amount needed shall be released only after Mr. Naneshwar Ramesh Deshpande's thorough inspection.
My brother can shift to my house along with his family and live there for as long as they want.
My most important and mandatory wish is that the guardians and caretakers of my daughter should encourage and assist her for higher studies. If she is not supported for that, all the benefits and clauses should be nullified and the whole property should be tranfered to a trust which will then take care of my daughter, which may run under the guidance of my lawyer Mr. Naneshwar Ramesh Deshpande.
Once Riddhima is 18 year of age, all the rights should be automatically transferred to her and she will be solely reponsible and will have complete power to do anything with her stake. In case anyone tries to influence her in a wrong way or in case anything happens to her, everything should be donated for an appropriate charitable cause, which may/may not be suggested by my Lawyer and friend Mr. Naneshwar Ramesh Deshpande."
Kartik signed the papers and asked him to read it to everyone after a few days. Nana also took signature of 2 witnesses & kept the will safely in his bag. Kartik deliberately added the clause regarding Riddhima?s education, since he and Smriti has always dreamt of their daughter become an independent and strong Girl when she grows up. They knew that if she is literate enough then she will be able to handle everything at her own independently.
He also knew the fact that although Padma was a woman with a great heart, but she was also greatly under the influence of her family, so he wanted to make sure none is able to snatch his daughter's rights away. But he still had a lot of faith on his blood related brother.
He asked Nana to add a few more hidden clauses, and advised him not to mention them to anyone, including his brother and daughter till the correct time.
After everything was done he asked doctor to see his daughter. Since even doctors knew that they wont be able save him, they allowed him to see his daughter last time before he closes his eyes.
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Kartik was wheeled on his deathbed to Riddhima's ward. He saw his beautiful princess lying on the hospital bed covered by a green cloth. She had a number of tubes attached to her body. Forehead, arms, wrist, foot, her delicate body was bandaged at several places. His eyes got filled with tears at the scene and realization that he wont be able to hold her ever again.
As he neared her, he caressed her head lovingly crying and praying for her well being. He knew it that her eyes will search for him and her mother once she gets up. He shruddered at the very thought of her feeble daughter being lonely and helpless. After all she was so small, ONLY 6. How will she survive? How will she handle everything? Who will actually support her? Will she be able to face the miseries, harshness and toughness of the cruel world?
He and Smriti has always treated her like a princess? their little beautiful princess? All these questions were only adding to his pain.
He didn't want to leave her. He wanted to stay, to take care of her, to love her, to pamper her, to fulfill all her dreams? But he also knew that it?s not possible anymore. He has to go. He prayed to god again and again to give her the strength to bear every pain, to become strong and not be dependant on anyone. His chain of thoughts was interrupted as the door flew open.
Shashank entered the Ward and ran towards him. The two brothers cried holding each other for a few minutes. Finally Kartik spoke "Bhaiya Smriti chali gayi? mera bhi jaane ka waqt aa gaya hai? agar hum dono se kabhi koi galti hui ho to hamein maaf kar dena? Aur meri Riddhima ka khayaal rakhna? ab aapke aur Padma bhabhi ke siva uska koi nahi hai?" he glanced towards Riddhima through tears as his voice cracked. "Wada kijiye bhaiya? aap uska khayaal rakhenge? please wada kijiye" his voice kept falling low and weak almost inaudible.
Shashank could only nod his head. He was too numb to say anything. Kartik took Riddhima's lifeless hand and placed it in Shashank's big hands. As shashank held it a little firmly, he felt Kartik's hand slid down lifelessly. It was then he realized that he has finally lost his brother forever. He hugged Kartik's comatose forever body and cried.
***Flashback Ends***
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Padma jerked out of her trance as she felt a hand on her shoulder. Shashank sat besides. As soon as he entered the room he realized she was thinking something from their past.
She asked him "Arey Aap kab aaye?"
"Tum shayad purani yaadon mein itna khoi hui thi ki mujhe dekha tak nahi... kya hua, kya soch rahi thi?" he asked her while she placed her head on his shoulder.
"Kuch nahi Shashank, bas kuch farishtey the jinhone hamari zindagi badal di... unhi ki yaad aa gayi thi..." she replied grimly.
Shashank understood who she was thinking of. He hugged her and patted her to sleep. She has just come back from hospital. He wanted to talk to her, but stress wasn't good for her health at the moment. He decided to talk to her when the time is right.
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EPISODE SIX
Next morning she knocked the door lightly. As she felt a hand on her shoulder, she turned around to see her bade papa standing there smiling.
"Arey bade papa aap uth gaye? Good morning? Yeh lijiye main aapke liye chai leke aaiye thi?" She smiled as he placed his hand on her head to bless her.
"Good Morning beta"
"Badi maa uth gayi kya?"
"Haan? shayad bathroom mein hogi"
"Oh? theek hai main puja ki thali tayyar karti hu? Aap unhe pujaghar le aaiyega"
"theek hai tum jao" Shashank replied and Riddhima left to the pujaghar.
After a few minutes she saw Shashank came in Pujaghar wheeling Padma along on her wheel chair. As they entered, Padma tried to get up, but was stopped immediately by Riddhima.
"Badi maa aap araam se baithiye, mujhey batati jaiye kya karna hai?"
Padma smiled at her "theek hai? lekin main nahi bataoongi, tu khud kar jo karna hai? mujhey pata hai ki tu sab janti hai? bas mera dil rakhne ke liye mujhse pooch rahi hai?"
Riddhima smiled and started the puja. She sang Aarti. As soon as they were done, Padma spoke
"Ab jaa tera roz ka routine pura kar?" as Riddhima looked at her confusingly she added "Apne us bade bhai ko utha?" she smiled and placed a hand on her hand "main jaanti hu tu hi uthaati hai use har roz? ab ja warna late ho jayega college ke liye?" Riddhima got up & went to wake her lazy brother.
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She knocked his door a few times, but as always he didn?t respond. So finally she clicked the door open to see his brother lying lazily on his bed. She went forward and shook him.
"Bhaiya utho?" he didn?t respond "Bhaiya utho subah ho gayi?" she shook him again. She tried to wake him up by shaking him forcegully, but all in vain.
She looked back at the door as she heard Padma?s voice, who came there wheeling her wheel chair at her own "Kya hua? Nahi utha?" she asked while Riddhima nodded her head. Padma went forward and said something in her ear. Riddhima looked at her in surprise so she spoke "Dekh kya rahi hai? jaa na" hearing it Riddhima left.
She came back with a Jug of ice cold water and stood by Padma who signalled her to throw it on Rahul?s face. A little hesitant Riddhima was poured the whole jug of water all over her brother?s face. Rahul stood up screaming and swearing
"*hit? what the hell?" as he stood up immediately on his wet bed and looked up irritatingly, but his expressions changed as he saw his mother and sister laughing together.
It was the first time he was watching them laugh together. It was a real happiness he could see in their faces. Shashank came to the room hearing his voice, but he joined Padma and Riddhima, when he saw Rahul?s state. Finally Rahul came out of his trance and spoke
"Kya yaar subah-subah mere bed pe baadh laa di? main doob jata to?"
"To kya hota, baad mein bahkar aayi whale fishes aapko samadar ke tour pe le jaati?" as Riddhima said that he realized his foolishness, how could he be drawned by just a Jug of water?
He picked up his towel and stomped towards the bathroom. The other three left for the breakfast.
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Things were getting smoother now. The family was ACTUALLY becoming one. Padma?s attitude towards Riddhima changed drastically, which didn?t go unnoticed by anyone. Almost everyone was happy to see Riddhima getting the love she deserved. Riddima has always been a serene, obedient, lovable, sweet and above all an extremely innocent girl. Whoever has ever come in touch with her has never gone unaffected by her.
The only people, who were not happy with this new change, were Padma?s wicked family members. They still tried to ill-filtrate Padma?s mind, but least did they knew that this time things will not work as per their ruse. Padma HAS realized it in the last few weeks who?s who? She was stunned when Shashank told her how Riddhima saved her life & sold some of her stake for her treatment, while her so-called-caring-relatives showed their back at the time of need.
She felt ashamed and guilty for her behaviour towards Riddhima, and felt disgusted and angry on her relatives. She decided not to fall in their trap anymore. Now she was aware who is a friend and who is a curse. Shashank and Rahul were of course more than happy.
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One day her bhabhi Naina and cousine Damini came to her place and once again tried on their tricks. They started cursing Riddhima for being unfateful for their family. As Padma saw tears in her eyes, her heart wretched, so this time she snapped back at her own relatives.
"Bhabhi, Didi? aap dono kaan khol ke sun lijiye, agar aaj ke baad aap mein se kisi ne bhi Riddhima ke khilaaf kuch bhi kaha to mujhse bura koi nahi hoga?"
Damini replied "Arey Padma tu yeh kya kah rahi hai? Hum to teri bhalayi ke liye yeh sab kah rahe hain? Yeh ladki manhoos hai? paida hone ke kuch saal baad apne maa-baap ko kha gayi, aur ab jawaan hui hai to tere sir pe manhusiyat bani hui hai?"
"Haan aur nahi to kya? aakhir hai to paraayi hi aur isi ki wajah se teri tabiyat bhi to theek nahi rahti? kitna stress mein rahti hai tu iske kaaran? pata nahi kis ghadi mein paida hui thi?" Naina added.
Padma could not take it anymore "Bas kijiye aap log? main aap logo ki bakwaas nahi sunna chahati? Kaun apna hai kaun paraya, yeh main achchi tarah se jaan chuki hu? aur aap ise manhoos kah rahi ho? arey iski wajah se to aaj main zinda hu? iski wajah se to aaj mere ghar mein khushiyaan aayi hain? aur rahi baat mere stress aur tabiyat ki, to woh Riddhima ki nahi balki aap jaise ghatiya logon ki wajah se tha? lekin ab aur nahi?"
Damini retorted "Padma tu hamara apmaan kar rahi hai? us do kaudi ki ladki ke liye apne khud ke rishteydaaro ke saath aisa bartaav kar rahi hai? chee hai tujh par?"
Padma smirked "Rishteydaar? Kaunse rishteydaar? Kaha the aap log jab mujhe aapki jaroorat thi? Aur do kaudi ki woh nahi aap log ho? I am sorry, nahi do kaudi kya aap log to us se bhi gaye guzare ho? aap logo ko koi haq nahi hai mere ghar ke mamlo mein dakhal dene ka?"
Naina said "Padma ab hum kabhi is ghar mein nahi aayenge?"
Padma cut her short "Bahar jaane ka darwazaa us taraf hai" she pointed towards the main door.
Naina and Damini stomped outside. Kanahiya who was watching and listening to all this, made a weird face as if he is gonna puke on them making them run faster and did the honor for the "ladies" while closing the door harshly at their back.
Shashank and Rahul too were watching this new wonderful event. They smiled through tears as Padma looked back. She lowered her head feeling guilty. Before she could say anything Shashank spoke? "Not us, you are answerable to Riddhima?" he signalled towards Riddhima?s room, who ran inside sobbing after hearing all the curses and blames.
Padma knocked her door gently and entered finding her standing besides a small table. She went forward to find her holding her parent?s picture. There were no traces of tears in her eyes but her eyes were read and swollen, which indicated that she has wiped them away. Padma placed a hand on her shoulder. As Riddhima turned around, she found her badi maa standing with her hands joined and head bowed in shame.
She felt morose and immediately held Padma?s hands to stop her and hugged her. Padma finally broke and hugged her back. No words were required as they could feel each other?s heart. Both of them cried for a long time. Today Riddhima has found a mother in her Badi Maa and Padma have found a wonderful daughter she hadn?t even imagined. Shashank and Rahul came forward and embraced both of them. The family cried and sobbed in happiness.
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A few weeks later, Padma has recovered almost completely, all thanx to her personal attendant Dr. Riddhima Gupta. Rahul came down to find his family waiting for him at the breakfast table. After a while Muskaan too joined them. As Rahul and Muskaan left for their college, a sad and distant feeling clouded Riddhima. She retired to her room quitely.
Padma did notice it. She once again drifted back to her past.
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***Flashback***
"Koi zaroorat nahi hai use kahi bhejane ki" Padma replied angrily. Riddhima has just finished her school and was looking forward to go to a college. She was always a bright and teacher?s favorite student, who passed with Excellent marks. As always Padma?s relatives filled her ears with garbage. Shashank was trying to convince her to atleast let Riddhima join the college.
"Lekin Padma? ismein harj hi kya hai?"
"Harj kya hai? Ladki hai, aur woh bhi paraayi? kahin kuch unch-neech ho gaya, to kya jawaab denge hum logo ko? Log to yahi kahenge ki humne hi paraayi ladki ka dhyaan nahi rakha"
Shashank argued again "But you know about the will? Humne agar use aage padhne nahi diya to hamaare sab benefits band ho jayenge? tum to mere kaam ki haalat jaanti ho?"
Padma replied carelessly "To theek hai? padhayi hi karaani hai na? to woh to ghar baithey bhi ho sakti hai? correspondence ke form bharwa do? lekin koi zaroorat nahi use kahin bhi baahar bhejane ki?"
Shashank gave up and brought forms of correspondence courses for Riddhima, which she accepted sadly, without any arguments.
***Flashback Ends***
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Riddhima worked really hard both with house hold work as well as with her studies? she was now in the final year of her graduation almost an year ahead of any other student of her age. Today as Padma saw her downfallen pale face, she felt really bad for her. Sh was also angry on herself to be a mean person towards a little un-harming girl.
She had done injustice to her in all ways, by stopping her studies, by keeping her busy with house hold work at such a tender age when other kids of her age played and enjoyed their lives. She was always partial towards her by enclosing her in the house and putting a restriction on her needs as she felt that sending her to a regular course will cost them more.
But now it is the time to pay back. Now she is the only one who could give her back everything she deserved. Padma spoke to Shashank and asked if he could get her admitted in a regular college. Shashank was pleasantly surprised. Rahul and Muskaan were on the top of the world.
When they brought an admission form and gave it to Riddhima she cried in delight in Padma?s arms, who caressed her and assured that now she don?t have to put a hold on her wishes and desires. Shashank got her admitted in the same college where Rahul & Muskaan went. Rahul was in his final year of Masters whereas Muskaan was one year senior than Riddhima.
Riddhima was too blank and plain to be a part of such a surrounding. She was more than nervous on her first day at the college. But she didn?t face any problem because Muskaan & Rahul were there to guard her. Within just few weeks, almost everyone in the college, including, students, professors, administration and other staff become fond of her because of her simple, shy and gilluble nature. Her family was too happy for her.
Rahul was too much protective about her. He and Muskaan always shadowed her. They never left her alone. Riddhima will always go anywhere or everywhere guarded by either of them.
One day one of their friends asked Rahul why he cares for her so much. Rahul remembered the past & told them what was he like, when Riddhima came to their house.
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***Past Narration***
Rahul told them that he used to almost hate her till she the age of 16, while Riddhima was 12 at that time? 5 years (from 7 to 12) she suffered his bashful behavior? but one day Riddhima helped him in his school with something which made him think of his actions? She saved him from all the scolding from his parents & would always hide his mistakes by taking all the blames on herself. Gradually Rahul started liking her, & one day everything turned around entirely ?
When Riddhima was only 14 years, she saved Rahul who was 4 years elder than her from an accident & hurt herself badly? He was surprised to see that the girl he & his parents always hated & treated so pathetically, whom he always brought problems & hatred, saved his life, not caring about her own? He started admiring her for her Goodness & become ever so protective about his little sister?
Rahul?s behavior & attitude changed after this? although he could never oppose his mother?s harsh conduct over Riddhima at home, but he started protecting his sister from outside world? The sister-brother love grew so to the extent that they became best buddies? Gradually he realized that she is one of the most innocent person on the earth, who can never ever harm even an ant?
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Shashank was also not very happy with Riddhima?s presence in the beginning because of various reasons. But eventually his view also changed. He observed the change in both the kids & started liking Riddhima too. She was a reflection of her parents. She had the beauty of her mother and a golden heart of her father. But he never had the courage to defend her from his wife?
One day he enquired Rahul about his changed attitude towards Riddhima, & he serenely explained the reason & events responsible for the change? He also told Shashank how she saved him from an accident after which she was injured badly. Shashank wasn?t there in the home town when it occurred so he couldn?t see how miserable her wounds were. Padma never bothered to tell him as she thought it was because of her own carelessness.
Shashank was astounded to know what he never even imagined? He also came to know a few more things about Kartik?s "Will" in the meanwhile, that he has left a very handsome amount of few lakhs for Rahul, which was meant for his studies and career. Nana also informed him one day when he urgently needed some funds, that Kartik has left a big amount for Shashank & Padma for emergency purposes. Smriti has also left some of her savings for them.
He felt guilty for misunderstanding Kartik and Smriti and mistreating their daughter. He finally admitted & accepted Riddhima as his own daughter through his heart (of course not in front of his wife atleast, just like Rahul)? but since he knew his wife is a stubborn personality who is also a heart patient, Shashank & Rahul, both of them never showed their love towards Riddhima in front of Padma? Riddhima never had any complaints about it and was happy & satisfied that atleast she has someone always besides her?
Padma also observed with time that Riddhima is quite a na? & tender-hearted soul, who never ever gave her a chance for any complaints & would obey her badi maa blindly, which even prompted her to think over her stance towards the lovely girl? but her evil companions (Padma parental side family & wicked friends) had always pulled her back. They didn?t let her believe in Riddhima?
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But ever since Riddhima turned 20, her life changed for better? She was in the final year of her college? That day both Shashank & Rahul were out of the city for some work, when Padma had a severe heart attack, because of which she fell from stairs & bleeded profusely?
Riddhima took her to the hospital all alone by herself. She donated her blood & nursed her too? That time even Aunty?s SO-CALLED loved ones backed off because they didn?t want to spend for her treatment & Padma?s family was still going through some financial set-backs (not very serious ones, but yet some)? Riddhima used her own savings to pay for her badi maa?s treatment in the absence of her bade papa & Rahul?
Although Padma was unaware of some hard facts, but she did observed behavior of her old companions? She saw Riddhima taking care of her with such dedication & affection?
When she regained some health, her SO-CALLED companions came to see her & as they started accusing Riddhima again for being a bad luck, Shashank and Rahul defended Riddhima & asked those people to leave? To their surprise this time Padma who used to support her companion?s opinion, didn?t try to stop her husband & son? She kept mum?
Thereafter Padma was informed by Shashank & Rahul about what all Riddhima did for her and their family? She felt as if the earth had been moved under her feet? she was shocked & surprised & ashamed of herself? So She full heartedly accepted Riddhima & asked her to forgive her while cursing herself? Riddhima also accepted her, as her mother? Mother whose love she always dreamt for? She finally got her family which she lost years back?
***Narration Ends***
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Years passed after this.
Muskaan & Rahul fell in love with each other, when Muskaan was in high school and Rahul was in second year of his college. He used to come to drop & then pick Riddhima to & from school? Rahul was very happy to see that the girl he has fallen in love with, cares so much for his sister. Very soon both of them confessed their love?
Riddhima knew that they liked each other, but she could never understand in what sense? She was a baby to understand it. She thought it was because Muskaan was a very nice girl and her friend too. She was unaware of this feeling ? Love between a Man & a Woman? Her miseries & struggles never gave her time and chance to think about those things?
Riddhima had joined the MBA as a regular course after her bachelors through correspondence. Her excellent credits helped her win a place in one of the topmost college, where even Rahul had studied. She grew in confidence once she joined it, but her basic nature remained the same. She still remained shy and innocent girl. Some of her friends called her tubelight, others will cal her Baby, which she was, but they also knew that she wasn?t an idiot, its just she was one MOST childlike person in the world.
Riddhima have never had a chance to interact with many men other than her bade papa and Rahul & never actually had any close friends accept one ? Muskaan, who though was 2 years senior to Riddhima, but loved her like an elder sister for her innocence? Muskaan was Riddhima?s friend since school.
After Muskaan and Rahul finished their college, Riddhima was always protected by some of the girls who were in her class, and also happened to be either Muskaan?s or Rahul?s friends and now they were Riddhima?s too. She was even supported by her professors and the supporting staff of the college, like peons, maids, college security, clerks, etc. In short she became the BABY of the college.
When things smoothened in Riddhima?s life, Rahul & Muskaan told her that they love each other? She very innocently replied that she knew that they liked each other? They hit their head knowing that she didn?t understood what they are trying to convey & informed her that they actually wanted to get married & she has to help them for it, one reason because Rahul?s parents would listen to Riddhima only?
Riddhima then informed Shashank and Padma about it & convinced them for the marriage?
It didn?t take too many efforts for her to convince Shashank and Padma as they already liked Muskaan. Another reason was that they were knew that Muskaan was completely aware of their past and understood their relationships very well. They knew that she understand how important Riddhima has become for the family. When Rahul got married Riddhima was 21, Rahul was 25 & Muskaan was 23?
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Edited by Wild.Aimee - 15 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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