FF: Rishtey (Completed) - Page 12

The party ended on that sour note. Everyone had quietly run off to their rooms. No one was willing to continue to drama. They didn't want to ask anymore questions because they didn't think they could stomach anymore. The sudden storm came and destroyed everything in its path. All that was left was a broken Ranawat family.

Rudra sat on the ground at the foot of the bed. Now that the truth finally sunk in, he was falling apart. He had given Mala another chance, hoping that she had changed. But the revelations of her dark secrets crushed him. They made him cringe. He couldn't believe she was capable of doing such things, yet she did it. All this time, Pia was staying in the haveli with them. Little did anyone know that she was the daughter of the biggest enemy in his life. What was worse, she was his half-sister. Looking back, he remembered the similarities between them: their love of kheer, their attitude, their anger. Rudra then remembered how he considered her family when he protected her from Sumer. Paro shook him out of his thoughts. He looked at her. If it wasn't for his wife, he probably would've drank alcohol in an attempt to wash his pain away. She was sitting on the ground next to him, with her hand on his arm.

After hearing everything, Parvati still couldn't believe it. Mala could never do something like this. She was too good of a person. But then, could she have misjudged her like she misjudged Tejawat? Paro was conflicted. She knew if she was feeling this way, then Rudra was probably crushed. He had given his mother one more chance, and now that he found out about Pia, he must be shaken.

"Major saab, are you alright?" she asked.

"How could she have done such a thing?" Rudra asked. "She had an affair, and a child with that Tejawat. How could she?"

"I don't know. Some things just can't be explained."

"And you know what? She even swore that she didn't have any other children! She swore on me. How could I have believed her? I should've never trusted her words! After all, she walked away from her own son. Who knows how low she could've stooped."

Paro remained silent, but rubbed his arm to comfort him. Right now, she had no answers to his questions. She couldn't even defend Mala because from every standpoint, she was guilty. Rudra needed to vent, and she was letting him do just that.

"You know what angers me the most?" Rudra continued. "It's that Pia did nothing wrong, and she was dropped into this mess. Part of me has already accepted her as family, but now a part of me hates her. When I look at her, I remember what that woman did. I remember that she's not my real sister. She's the reason that woman left me and bapu-sa. Her and Tejawat. Tejawat's blood runs through her veins."

Paro cupped Rudra's cheek, "Major saab, I understand that you're feeling hurt and betrayed. It doesn't seem right though. Maa-sa just doesn't seem like the person to do such a thing."

"You're defending her?!"

"No! I'm just saying that I never thought she would do something like this."

"Well, she did. Do I have to read you the reports again?"

"No," Paro paused. "But, I think you're missing something. I think you're being unreasonable in that you hate Pia. It's true that she's maa-sa and Tejawat's daughter, but it isn't as though she had a choice in the matter. Do you really think she wants to be the product of such an affair? And real or adopted, Pia is your sister. If Gaurav can accept her when he has no blood relation to her, then why can't you, when you have some relationship with her?"

"Paro-."

"Pia respects you, and I know she doesn't want you to hate her. It meant a lot to her when you considered her family. I saw the pain on her face when she said she knew you hated her. She knew she lost the respect in your eyes because of who her parents are. But is that even her fault, Major saab?"

Rudra looked at Paro for a long time. It took him time to fully grasp what she was saying to him. She was trying to get him to understand that Pia was just as hurt, if not more hurt, than him. His hatred towards her was only making it worse. If he pushed her away from his family, then what was the difference between that and what Mala had done? Granted, he hadn't attempted to kill Pia, but was punishing her for something she had no control in any different?

Paro pulled Rudra's forehead to hers so they touched. He let out a small sigh, but his body was still stiff. She knew he wasn't going to forget any of this, no one would. In her gesture, she was trying to take some of his pain and calm him. They were married, so his pain was her pain. Even after they went to bed, Paro was still trying to understand. Rudra pulled her onto his chest, where she lay as he slept, holding her. This wasn't easy for him, and she knew that. But she also knew he wasn't the only one suffering. Pia and Dilsher were also disturbed by the reality of it all. Parvati had fixed many family problems before, but this time she was unsure if this broken family could be put together once again.

After Mala's birthday, the happiness and joyous atmosphere had left the haveli. Everyone was still in shock. They were trying to cope with Pia's real identity. Mala and Dilsher moved into separate rooms. He told her frankly that if he stayed in the same room with her, he would end up hurting her, and she had caused enough pain to last them for the next seven lifetimes. Pia tried avoiding the rest of the Ranawats. She would leave early and come back late. She would always tell Gaurav where she was going, but never wanted him to come along. He saw the family stare awkwardly as they walked passed her. She couldn't look in Mala's direction. She was ashamed to look Dilsher in the face. Rudra wouldn't even talk to her. The only people that still spoke to her were Paro and Gaurav. The family she once thought she had distanced themselves instantly.

The only person who was more isolated than her was Mala. She spent most of her hours in the guest room, alone. After her secret was revealed, no one wanted to talk to her. Her husband slept in a separate room, her son hated the sight of her, and her daughter...was alive. All this time, her daughter was alive and near her, and she didn't even know. She couldn't believe it. How she wanted to make up for lost time, to give her the motherly love she wasn't able to give her. The moment was bittersweet, however. She was ready to love the daughter who now hated her.

Rudra still couldn't look at Mala without remembering how the ugly truth unfolded in front of him. He spoke a few words with Dilsher, who, like him, was still trying to cope. When he ran into Pia around the haveli, she wouldn't look at him. She's just looked down and walk away. He saw the way the rest of the family treated her. Rudra remembered how just a few days ago they were all getting along, laughing and smiling. Now, the united front had crumbled. He felt bad for Pia, but couldn't go talk to her with all the hatred he had bottled up towards her. Gaurav seemed to be the neutrality zone for the family. Everyone spoke with him because they were all unsure where he stood in this crossfire.

One morning, Rudra was getting ready for work. He had spent a lot of time the past few days thinking over what Paro had said to him. Despite everything that happened, Pia didn't deserve such cruel treatment from the family, especially not from him. He was the only one who could comprehend a little of what she was feeling. He may not be able to accept her right away, but he knew he should at least talk to her. Talking was always the first step, at least that's what his wife always said. He decided to tell Paro his decision.

When she came into the room, Rudra looked at her and said, "I'll talk to Pia."

A small smile appeared on Paro's face, "You will?"

"I'm not saying everything will go back to normal, but she and I will have to talk about this sooner or later."

"Do you want me to be there with you? To support you?"

"It will be better if she and I talk about this alone. But thank you, for offering your support."

"There is no need to thank me. I'm your wife, I will always give you my support. When will you talk to her?"

"Tonight. I have to get to the BSD."

Rudra gave her a peck on the lips and walked out of their bedroom with her. He was halfway to the entry door, when he heard Gaurav's voice. He turned and found the man running around the haveli frantically, shouting. His disheveled state caused Paro to worry. Gaurav was never one to shout or panic. He was usually the calmest person in the room, so this sudden change in character was abnormal. One by one, all the Ranawats appeared in the hall to see what all the commotion was about.

Gaurav continued shouting, "Pia! Pia! This isn't funny! Pia!"

Paro stopped him, "Gaurav, what's wrong?"

"Why are you shouting?" Rudra asked.

Gaurav held up a paper and yelled, "She left this! She said she's left for good!"

"Left what? What are you talking about?"

"Pia. She's gone."

"What are you saying Gaurav?" Paro asked. "How do you know she left for good?"

"She left this letter for everyone. I don't understand. Where could she have gone? If she wanted to leave she could've told me, I would've gone with her."

Rudra extended his hand, "Let me see."

Gaurav handed him the letter. He looked at it and read it aloud:

Dear Ranawat family,

I am sorry I didn't have the courage to say all this to you face-to-face, but I knew no one wanted to speak to me, especially after everything that has happened. I don't blame any of you for the way you've acted. I am the cause of all the pain, so your treatment is a fair punishment.

I can never thank you enough for everything you have all done for me. You took me in and considered me family. We shared wonderful, happy moments which I hold dear in my heart. But now that the truth is out, I know that none of you want to see my face. I know that when Rudra and Dilsher uncle look at me, they only feel pain, and I don't want that. I can't even look at myself without feeling disgusted. Knowing that I'm Mala and Tejawat's daughter is a horrible truth that I must live with for the rest of my life. I don't want to hurt anyone else, and if that means I have to leave, then so be it.

I want to apologize for everything I have done. I wish I could ask for your forgiveness, but I don't think it will be given. No matter how much I wish this didn't happen, I can't change the reality of the situation. I wish I hadn't come to Chandangarh to search for my parents. If I hadn't, then maybe the Ranawat family would still be together. My search for answers ended up hurting the people I grew to love and care for. Please believe me when I say that this was never my intention.

Gaurav, I know my sudden departure will upset you. I don't want you to blame anyone. I did this of my own free will. I need to be alone. I will contact you, but not right now. You have to know that to me you will always be my brother. Nothing can change that. Just know that I will be in the safest place possible. Hopefully there will be a day when I can face all of you again, and you won't look at me with hate and disgust.

Until next time,

Pia

Rudra stood silently, looking at everyone's reaction. They were just as surprised as he was to know that Pia left. Gaurav looked completely distraught. He didn't blame him. All these years, he was devoted to protecting his little sister from the cruel world, but he couldn't protect her from the harshest, most unbearable truth in her life. If Pia hadn't met the Ranawats, then she wouldn't have felt as bad about the truth. However, meeting them, being given such unconditional love, being considered as part of the family, hurt her even more. Rudra felt bad for Gaurav.

"Do you have any idea where she could've gone?" Rudra asked him.

"No," Gaurav replied. "She doesn't know anyone else here."

"Do you think she could've gone back to Mumbai?"

"I don't know."

"Birpur?"

"I don't know! I'm just as lost as you are!"

"We can track her phone."

"It won't work. Her mobile is sitting on the side table by the bed. Her clothes are gone. There's no trace of her."

Mohini chided in, "Why are you all worrying about her? She said she would contact you when she was ready. She left. It's done. Move on. Frankly I don't know why everyone is so distraught. Her presence was the cause of this entire mess."

"Not one more word against Pia," Gaurav growled. "We all know you don't care for us. If you don't care don't get involved. Is that understood?"

"Are you going to let him talk to me like that?"

"Kaki-sa, enough," Rudra stated. "Gaurav's right. If you don't care, then don't get involved."

"Oh? Then I suppose that applies to you too. You lost respect for her the minute you found out she was your mother's and-."

"Mohini!" Danveer yelled. "Enough is enough! The matter already isn't good, for God's sake don't make it worse."

Mohini huffed and shut up.

Rudra turned to Gaurav and asked, "When was the last time you saw Pia?"

"Last night," he replied. "I was walking around in the hall and Pia came home late. She ignored me and went straight to her room."

"What time was that?"

"Around 11."

"This means she must've left early this morning."

"She couldn't have gotten far," Paro said. "It's possible that she's still in Chandangarh."

"We'll see. I'll find out. I'm taking this letter with me."

Gaurav nodded.

"If Pia contacts anyone, inform me as soon as possible."

Parvati watched as her husband marched out of the haveli. She understood that he hadn't accepted Pia, but he had to find her for Gaurav's sake. The family had dispersed, leaving her and Gaurav alone. She turned to Gaurav to find him sitting on the chair with his head in his hand. He was probably just as confused as she was. It wasn't like Pia to go anywhere with him. She believed he was the only family he had left, so she would never leave him behind. Paro placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Gaurav looked up at her, "I can't believe this is happening."

"I know it's hard but everything will be okay," Paro assured him. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yes?"

"Did you know that Pia was...is maa-sa's daughter?"

"Paro, if I had known I never would've brought her here."

"Do you really believe maa-sa could've done something like this?"

Gaurav stared at Paro for a long time. They really were alike in thought. He had known Mala just as long as Paro had, and he couldn't believe she was capable of such a thing. Although the reports make her out as guilty, Gaurav had a gut feeling that something wasn't right. Things just weren't adding up. He didn't want to say anything because he still felt unsure, but knowing that Paro was feeling the same made him believe that something really wasn't right.

"Honestly Paro," Gaurav said softly. "I don't know what to believe. But I do feel that something isn't right. Maa-sa never seemed like the person do to something like this."

"I know. Something doesn't seem right, but I don't know when all the

evidence is against her."

"Maybe we should talk to her about it."

"I don't think she's going to talk to anyone at the moment. She's very distraught."

"Well, someone is going to have to tell her that Pia left. I guess that's going to have to be me."

"Are you really going to tell her?"

"I don't know why, but I have this feeling that Mala would want to know. A mother is a mother after all."

Paro nodded, "Do you want me to come along?"

"No. I think this is something I should do on my own. If she tells me anything of importance, then I will let you know."

Parvati agreed to let Gaurav speak to Mala privately. He wasted no time in going to talk to her. He made his way to the guest room and found the door locked. He figured it would be. He knocked, trying to find courage within him to call out to her.

"Maa-sa," he said. "It's me. Gaurav. Please open the door. It's important. It's Pia."

He heard a click and the door opened, revealing Mala. She had been crying, it

was clear by the streaks on her face. Her eyes were red and puffy, but he could still see the concern in them. Her ears must've perked up upon hearing him want to discuss something important about Pia. It really made Gaurav think.

"What about Pia?" Mala asked him desperately.

"She's gone," Gaurav responded.

"She's left the haveli for good. I found a letter in her room stating that she was

leaving. Her phone is still here, but her clothes are gone."

"Where has she gone?"

"She believes everyone can't stand the sight of her in the haveli. Pia thinks everyone hates her and blames her for destroying this family. She knows Rudra and Dilsher uncle can't look at her without being reminded whose child she really is."

"She shouldn't have left. If anyone should leave, it should be me."

"Well it doesn't matter anymore. The fact of the matter is that she's gone. No one knows where she is. We have no way of contacting her. I'm so worried. I can't believe this is happening."

"Gaurav, we have to find her. I need to speak with her and Rudra. I have to explain myself. I can't lose my son and daughter again."

Gaurav was very confused. Her words were conflicting with what he had heard from Aman and read in the reports. She didn't want a daughter, yet she was pleading with him to find her so she could explain herself. He understood that she didn't want to lose Rudra, but now she didn't want to lose Pia? She tried to have her killed off because she was a girl. The report said that she and Tejawat didn't want any daughters, that's why they tried to get rid of Pia. Now she suddenly wants her back in her life as her daughter?

He continued to look at Mala's grief-stricken face. Her tears were a silent plea for him to find Pia at any cost. As he left her room to go search for Pia, Gaurav had one question on his mind. What was going on?

**********

There you have it! The plot thickens! I'd love to hear from all of you so leave your comments and feedback below please!

Thanks for reading!