PLZZ DO COMMENT ...
CHAPTER-ONE
How refreshing has the day been ! How bright was the Sun,how lovely and joyful the course that He run ! Though He rose in a mist and began His race which was followed by few drops of rain,but now the glorious traveller with gold crimson rays and charming beauty has come to the west and it foretells a bright rising again. Indeed,the death bed of a day..how beautiful !!!!!!!!!!
Softly the evening came.The sun from the western horizon like a magician extended His golden world over the landscape of Manali.Blessed with the lofty snow peaks,deep gorges,lush green valleys,fast flowing rivers,enchanting mountain lakes,flower bedecked meadows,beautiful temples and monasteries;Manali rightly justifies the divine creation of the Almighty.The greenery,the sky and water seemed all on fire at the soft touch of evening and mingled together giving a treat to the eyes.The people of Manali were blessed for a breathtaking view of mountain peaks adorned with gloden crown at a distant horizon. It seemed as if the whole scenario was an artist painting to be gifted to someone on some special,very special occasion !!!Yes,indeed it was. It wasnt a ordinary day.This day meant a lot to someone....
A young girl 19 yrs old,came to the view,as pretty and pure as a pearl..A girl whose presence gives peace and comfortableness and whose glittering eyes even lighten the darkest night.,A beauty that amazes all with a loving heart and a pretty smile .The earth delights to feel her bare feet and the wind longs to play with her hair down her back.. A perfect dreamgirl one could dream of with no comparison. She is a soft lovely flower rare,beautiful and surprising who stands strong and distinguished among the rest.Her natural yet subtle beauty is enchanting and leaves a memorising print on everyone's heart. She is just the way better one can never forget if once met.
Holding a bunch of keys in her left hand,she was walking with slow steps lost in the mesmerizing view of the landscape.Coming across a few familiar faces,she stopped for a minute to exchange a short but very friendly conversation.Moreover,she was not in a hurry to reach her destination.A little cute boy was playing in a merry-go-round.Seeing him,her face acquired a smiling complexion.With a very affectionate smile,she weaved to the little boy.He too weaved back in return but little confused by seeing the keys in her hand..
Walking a little further by the side of fields of wild flowers full of cool breeze,enjoying the bird songs,staring at the fruit laden orchards,she crossed a road and came across two known cute faces.The kids came running to her leaving the sea-saw once they caught the sight of her.Her face too brightened up.She knelt down to reach to their height.And at once the two kids hugged her bestowing all their love and trust in her.For them,it was not mere a hug but a smile with arms and laugh with a stronger grip.And the girl hugged them back and her hands moved caressing their hairs.
When she realised that they are not going to leave her,she smiled at the innocence of the kids..After sometime,they freed her from their strong grip and there was a wide smile starting from one end of their face reaching to the other.
"We are leaving you now but on one condition,.tomorrow we want you to come a little bit early..okay ?",ordered the boy with cute restriction in his voice.
"As you wish my Lord",replied the girl while she bowed down her head pretending to be a lawyer in front of the Chief Justice of Supreme Court of India!!
"ok ok,,you can go now",the other girl commanded.
Hearing that she was freed now,the girl kissed both the kids on their forehead.To those kids,she was the only one reason why there is a little extra sunshine,laughter and happiness in their world today.She got up and resumed her walk.After taking a few steps,she turned behind to bid them a final bye aware of the fact that they must have been waiting for it..
Night was approaching.A few handful of stars had also shown their face on the sky,but moon had yet to arrive..
After walking for another ten minutes,there came a turning and a signboard became faintly visible in the evening light .The letters which had been inscribed on a cemented board now seem like pencil marks only; making it very difficult,rather impossible for any new passer-by to recognize. The signboard has walked up to the middle of the not-too-wide road due to the strong winds and few rain showers which Manali had witnessed toay..
The road which was leading from the signboard was not wide but not too narrow either. Not much human settlements was to be found except for a few countful one-storeyed buildings.What came to the view were only tall tress seeming to touch the sky.The trees that move this young girl to tears of joy are in other's eyes only a green thing that stands on their way.During her childhood whenever she passes by this road,she used to pluck up a flower from the roadside plants and for a moment,she feels it as her world. But now-a-days,she has to search hard for a flower to pluck if she wants.Indeed,Manali has developed much in these years, greenery vanishing slowly with each passing year.
She kept walking and then came again a much narrower turning.A lonely two-storeyed building stood at the end of the road.Except for that building,what can be found were only green tall trees.Soft cool breeze started blowing and tiny droplets of water fell off from the leaves .The branches of the trees moved swiftly to shed some dry tiny flowers on her and welcomed heartily as she entered the road.It felt as if these all were waiting just for the girl to put her foot on the very familiar path. The narrow road leading her to the building was hidden behind huge bunch of flowers showered from trees above. Her charming face smiled at the soft velevt touch of the flowers,few of them drenched with one or two drops of rain water..There is nothing better than this path..Rain or shine,this place is a beautifu sight both day and night..
Now,the girl has arrived where she wanted.She stood in front of a huge two storeyed building,the name plate read "GAYATRI MANSION"…
The mansion is situated on the edge of a quiet hamlet surrounded by beautiful countryside and has stunning views. This incredible manicured lot is enclosed with wrought iron fencing and has a water fountain feature in the large circular driveway.At first sight,one feels the complete integration and harmony of the residence with its unique surroundings.Entering this secluded property,one is greeted with spectacular trees and a peaceful pond leading to the residence.The view will not be obstructed with electrical wires of any sort as all cables are underground.
The mansion is south facing with its up to 20 feet high ceiling with lavish and big landscapes areas upto the house and pond. The house is most attractive with open stonework,shutters and terracotta tiles to the roof,which is typical of the properties in this area.Summer offers fields of golden sunflowers,walnut orchards and vines.It owns its own garden and there is a lovely pool.
Gayatri Mansion is a general topic of discussion in almost every house of Manali…
The girl quietly opened the elegant entrance door and stepped inside.She raised her hands to her left and switched on the lights and the whole house being lighted spoke of its exotic interiors.
Tha charming detached mansion is well fitted with comfortable furnitures, nice tile floors through out the house. The lounge is on the first floor taking advantage of the great view and the wonderful beams giving an almost medieval feel.Downstairs is a well fitted kitchen of a good size with dishwasher,refrigerator,gas hob,oven and microwave.The kitchen leads through to a wonderful large sitting room .
The girl shut the door behind her and went upstairs to the bedroom..This room is paneled with windows giving maximum light and ambience to the spectacular room.There is a large wood burning double sided fireplace for comfort which makes this place a delight during winters.The view of the large garden from the top brings instant serinity.
Inspite of all these comfortness and soulfull atmosphere,,Gayatri Mansion has been left abandoned since 15 years !!!! But no one can even guess the strangest truth by looking at the most charming building of that locality..or of Manali even..This is one of the reasons as why everyone talks about Gayatri Mansion..
Then she stepped forward and reached near the wall next to the fireplace.One can find two photo frames hanging on the wall with flower garlands on them..
She put her hand on the photo of a lady and spoke softly.."Maa,I turned 19 today..so,where is my gift ? ..Every year,in some way or the other,I always get something which makes my happy..but what about this year ??..See,I wont…." No more words came out from her choked voice…She didn't want to shed tears as her mother would be hurt,but she was helpless…
Even today,she could feel her mother's touch on the lonely tea cups placed on the dining table…She could only remember that her mother is gone,.but couldn't cherish her memory because she has no memories with her .She could only cry and close her mind,be empty and then turn behind…But she can never do what her mother would want from her,..simply a smile.
The photoframe infront of which she was standing is of her mother Late Mrs Gayatri Trivedi…And the photo adjacent to it is of her father Late Mr Anurag Trivedi…
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Her eyes fell on a laminated certificate hanging on the wall.She was awarded the first prize in painting competition when she was just 4 years old..The piece of painting has also taken its place just beside the certificate…a beautiful house..a small pool..a swing amongst colourful flowers..a little girl playing merrily in the swing…a young beautiful woman lighting diya in front of tulsi plant…and a young man reading a newspaper…Since the day her masterpiece was awarded as the best piece,the little girl has wished for nothing else but to make the painting come alive until she grew up to be mature enough to realise the harsh realities of her life..The painting surely seems realistic but there is much difference between real and realistic..
Years ago,,being proud of her win,her father had gifted her a teddy bear which she has with her even today..Along with this,the thing that amazed the girl the most was his saying " one day,my gudie will become a great painter…" She still remembers his words but she is also sure that his words wont ever come true..His wishes and words went along with him.By now,her eyes are wet remembering these flashbacks while her hand was still on the painting…
Her thoughts broke by the sounds of banging of the windows due to strong winds..She moved forward and stopped right in front of the windows..A huge mango tree stood touching the walls of the house,some of its leaves entering through the windows..She opened the door leading to the balcony and went downstairs with slow weary steps leaving the windows still banging in winds..
The stairs led her to the backyard or in other words flower garden and fruit orchard..The light from the rooms on top reaching the backyard was sufficient enough to make the path very clear in dark even..Hundreds of glow-worms were producing a magnificient view..She kept walking among the flower plants,sometimes her palms moving softly over them..She stopped in front of a mango tree..There are plenty of similar species but this one is really special,.nearest to her heart..A huge and wide cemented pavement is made around the tree so that one can sit and rest under it..She sat under the tree silently leaning against the trunk..This particular tree is the last and the only one living memory of her mother which she has with her today..Years ago,before she took birth,her mother had planted it,she learnt it from her papa later.It used to be her mother's favorite place and even today,its her prized possession too,full of peace and tranquility..This mango tree has seen her smiling on getting highest marks in school,crying on feeling lonely,taking rounds around it..In true terms,it has seen her growing up..She makes her way to this place whenever she is sad or happy,.however the chance of happiness is rare..All her friends say one's birthday is the most special day in the whole year.But it doesn't apply to her case.She hates her birthday,indeed she curses the day when she was born because this very day took away her mother away from her..very very far away from where she will never return..in exact words her birth was the cause of her mother's death..While all others celebrate with the world on their birthday,smiling,laughing,playing..cutting cakes..blowing balloons and partying,she doesn't get enough time even to let her eyes get dry for a while..Since she came to this world,never has passed such a day when she didn't shed a tear drop but today,even her tears are crying..
After sometimes,she closed her eyes and some faint memories 15 years old became faintly visible..
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The day dates an ordinary day in 1995 in the world calender…Gayatri Manson is decorated like a newly wedded bride..Balloons tied in red ribbons hanging almost everywhere..sweet aroma of dishes.indian and Italian....kids running after each other…a cute girl in red fork was the centre of attraction of the party…yeah,party….The girl's father had been promoted to a very high prestigious rank in his field and they both were supposed to leave India the very next day..So,this party was thrown both for a get-together before the final adieu and also share the joys of his success among his collegues…The little girl was on seventh world because she was going abroad….While Mr.Anurag wanted to go away from the painful memories which may prove more painful to his daughter in future,she was too small to understand the real reason behind her father's decision to leave India….Anyways,.all party arrangements are over..all guests have arrived…the girl in red fork was desperately waiting for the black car in which her papa would arrive…one hour passed,..two hours passed…..the clock stroke 11 pm…All were gone except for few 'so called close business partners' as they couldn't leave the girl alone or more accurately,they didn't have guts to face Mr Anurag the next day if they left his daughter alone…So,all were waiting impatiently for him to arrive throwing an exhausted look over the wall clock again and again..And at last a four wheeler arrived…the girl ran outside with her top pace to lodge a complaint near her papa as why did he spoil the party…but she stopped at the last step when she saw it wasn't their black car,but a white van with red lights glowing over it… ********************************
Her faint memory almost fainted now…she was trying hard to peep deeper in that black day but suddenly sensed a little pain in her toes..she tried to open her eyes but couldn't due to a thick film of tears covering her eyelids..she forcefully opened her eyes and looked down to find few red ants clinging to her toe but didn't try to take them out..this pain was not much painful….She sat like that motionless for some more time…
Regardless of her age and maturity, .she is still her mother's child.,still searching for a lap to lay her head and weep… After her parent died, she was plunged into the sharp, painful nostalgia that accompanied the recollections of childhood--everything her father represented in terms of security, familiarity, and protection seemed to be gone. She was forced to cope with the loss of parental love and attention that was given uniquely to her, and that she depended on, possibly even took for granted. .Today too she gets blessings from elders and she has a best friend too whom she considers the bestest of best friends one could ever have..But still after so many years, .today she grappled with the realization that no one knows her in the exact same way as her parents did—indeed will ever know as they did…
She wished that she could have her parents say or do the things she longed for. She wished they could understand the rejection she suffered. She feels robbed of the opportunity to express her anger towards her father..
She tries her best to forget that she is an orphan to keep herself happy but circumstances surrounding her don't allow her to forget this..When she was a kid,she wanted to be just like her father,but she lost him much before she could understand him well.. Many times,she thinks about what to keep and what to give away, not just of her parent's possessions but of their beliefs, personality traits, habits, skills, aims, loves. Which of those will continue to reside in her ? Which ones will she nurture? Which bring her less peace and comfort and can be let go? She could never find any answers to her queries..But without her knowledge;through her,parts of her parent's individuality and influence have been thread through each day ahead, each year, adding to the tapestry of her life and the lives that follow her. In this dedicated way, she has kept her parents alive even after their death……they could never die..
There was death silence all around except for the un-musical noise made by some insects…
She got up against her will and retraced her path..In addition to the noise of the insects,.sounds of her anklets too became audible..While closing the windows,the mango tree attracted her once again..
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Her soul didn't allow her to leave the place while locking the gate..But she had no option except to ignore her heart….She turned behind without giving the Mansion a last look before she leaves..She did it purposefully to stop any more tears from her eyes…Her tears were enough for today..
She was all alone in that lonely road but she didnot fear a little because she was used to such silence…There is nothing except silence and darkness in her life…Every night she goes to bed with a dream which breaks the next morning…And everyday,she wakes up with a wish which dooms as the sun sets….
She is brought up here in Manali by Mr. Mayank Malhotra,business partner of her father and who is recognised as the closest to his deceased friend..But no one except this girl knows the real truth behind this friendship..Mr Malhotra adopted his friend's daughter not for any noble cause but to acquire legal control over the huge estate of Trivedi Company whose sole inherent was the 4 year old girl…Except for the basic amenities for survival like food,water and shelter;the girl hasn't got anything from him or his wife Mrs Mrinali Malhotra..
Throughout the short journey,she has been recollecting the day's activities..As soon as the clock stroke 12 ; she was greeted by Abhi and Simmi..Abhi,aka Abhinav Malhotra is the youngest son of Mr Mihir . Though he never saw the girl he adopted as his daughter,but for his son;she is the best sister in the world…In her life too,Abhi is closest to her heart..And then comes Simmi,aka Simran Sinha..her best friend,no less than a sister..Except for these two and other two kids whom she had met today in the evening,,she has no one in this world who cares a little even for her…Even on her birthday,her so called parents didn't even bother to wish her..They make her feel her birthday just like an ordinary day or even worse than that…
She has now reached where she has been residing all these years--MALHOTRA RESIDENCE ..Though magnificient,yet it feels belittled in front of Gayatri Mansion…No one can deny that Gayatri Mansion has no match…
She closed the gate and walked upto the house ..She entered without any expression of fear or nervousness on reaching home so late because she had no one whom she could be afraid of..None in the family cares to know where she goes or where she comes from..They have many important works to do rather than keeping a watch on her..She is just taken for granted …
She has just kept the keys in the drawer when the telephone rang up…She picked up the receiver to answer the call..
"Hello.,Myself Shekhar Sharma..Can I talk to Miss Archana Trivedi ? ",,a familiar voice spoke from the other side .
"Good evening sir,its Archana speaking.";the girl answered,trying not to reflect her pain in her voice.
"Good evening Archana,actually i was supposed to send a formal letter to your address but somehow due to some reasons,it couldnot be done.I am really sorry for that..And moreover,the college management committee is on a week leave from tomorrow..So,I had to contact you over the phone.."
"No problem sir,I understand."
"And now the main point,you will be glad to know that your admission in this institution is for sure..you can come at any time and collect your admission certificate from the office."
"Thank you so much sir.." she was delighted as she got at least one reason to be happy on her birthday.
"Its our pleasure Archana.. we were very much sure about your admission.. Entrance was a formality.So,see you soon."…and the line went dead.
Archana kept the receiver down,with a faint smile still on her face..She walked upto the varendah and looked up in the sky..Amongst millions of stars,,her eyes got fixed on the most brightest one..Her face too shined up like the twinkling of the star,and a faint voice came from inside "Thanks maa.."She stood there and kept staring the star for quite a long time and didn't notice when did the warm tear drops made their way down her cheeks,some of joy and much of missing someone…
In her life while making others laugh when they don't even want to smile,she never realised the presence of an emptiness at the center of her heart that aches to be filled..And she will never know when and where the emptiness seemed to vanish all of a sudden .. That day is not very far…
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Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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