FF: Rishtey (Completed) - Page 16

The first thing Rudra did when he returned to the haveli was wake up Gaurav and Parvati. He told them everything that Tejawat had said, proving Mala was innocent in trying to have Pia killed off. Paro and Gaurav were relieved. They knew maa-sa couldn't do something so cruel and heartless. Due to the past, they weren't surprised with Tejawat's actions. It just proved how dirty he was willing to play. Even in prison, he still wanted to have the last word. But, as always, Rudra won.

"We have to tell Pia," Gaurav said to Rudra. "You have to talk to her. Or at least tell me where she is so I can talk to her."

Paro looked at her husband, "You never told him?"

Rudra shook his head at both of them, "Pia isn't willing to come home. I told you that. She's not ready."

"Paro? You know where she is?" Gaurav questioned.

"I do, but I can't tell you. Major saab, please tell him."

Rudra paused, "...Don't worry. She's with Aman."

"BSD Officer Aman?"

"Yes."

"How long has she been there?"

"Since she left here."

"That little...I spoke to him two days ago, and he said nothing about it."

Paro interjected, "He was sworn by Pia not to say anything. I would've told you too, but Aman made me swear not to. Please don't be upset. You know how Pia is."

"More importantly, she's safe," Rudra added.

"How do you suggest we bring her back?" Gaurav asked. "If you couldn't bring her back then I don't know how anyone can."

Paro spoke up, "Major saab, you have to forgive maa-sa first. So does bapu-sa. Maybe then she will come back. If Pia knows that she can come back without you hating her, then she will come."

Rudra gulped. He wasn't ready to confront his mother and father. He had just found the truth about Mala, and he didn't know if Dilsher would be able to bear the truth. He, himself, was having a hard time digesting it. But Rudra knew the quicker he did it, the better it would be. He didn't want to waste another moment.

"Paro," Rudra said. "Go wake maa-sa up. Now. And bring her into bapu-sa's room."

Paro nodded and she left.

Rudra looked to Gaurav, "You're coming with me. Bapu-sa is going to need to hear the truth from both of his sons."

Even though the moment was intense, Gaurav gave a little smile at what Rudra had said. Together, they went to Dilsher's room, where Mala and Paro were waiting for them. Rudra knocked on the door, and waited for Dilsher to open the door. When he did, the small group barged in, shocking him. It was almost one in the morning and half the family decided to hold a meeting in his room? He couldn't even look in Mala's direction, which didn't go unnoticed by Rudra. It was time to put an end to this...now.

"There's been some new information regarding Pia," Rudra said.

"Is she okay?" Dilsher asked.

"She's fine. She's safe."

"Then why are we all here?"

"There's something you need to know. We were all tricked by Tejawat."

"What are you saying Rudra? That Pia isn't-."

"No, she is their child. But maa-sa wasn't responsible for wanting to have her killed. Only Tejawat did."

Rudra went on to explain the confrontation he had with Tejawat a few hours ago. Dilsher and Mala were both stunned at the revelation. They were all played by Tejawat, and it was because of him that this rift was caused. Gaurav and Paro then told Dilsher what Mala had told them, about her wanting to keep Pia. Dilsher stood and stared at Mala. He couldn't fathom what she had gone through. It was true that she had an affair, but she had gone through years of believing that her own child had died just minutes after she had held it. He couldn't begin to imagine how he would've felt if that happened to Rudra. Mala had made mistakes, but she wasn't evil enough to kill her own child.

"Tejawat only said all of it to make maa-sa suffer," Paro concluded.

"She was just as much a victim in this as all of us are," Gaurav said.

Dilsher looked at Mala for a minute and then said, "It's true that you weren't involved in all of this, but you still did have an affair with that man while we were married."

Mala was silent, but she continued to look at Dilsher as tears filled her eyes.

"However, you have suffered a lot. Not just by losing a daughter, but by dealing with the abuse I gave you. If you can forgive me, then I can try to forgive you. It will take time...but I will try to forgive you. Trusting you again will take much more effort, I assure you. But...I will do it only if Rudra is willing to forgive you."

Mala let out a small breath of relief knowing that Dilsher was willing to forgive her. It's true that she made mistakes, and she was repenting for them everyday and would for the rest of her life. She had lost Dilsher, and didn't want to lose him again because she did love him, and to this day he still loved her. He was too kind. She didn't deserve him, but she had him and she was going to show her gratefulness until the day she dies. Her eyes then turned to Rudra, who was staring at her intently, contemplating. Mala knew she had wronged her son as well. He had forgiven her once and she wasn't sure if he'd forgive her again. She wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. But she wasn't ready to lose her son again. But if that was what Bholenath planned, then she would have to accept. Mala braced herself for Rudra's words.

"It won't be easy," Rudra said. "But I will try."

For the first time in a long time, sighs of relief were released. Mala was overwhelmed. Sensing it, Paro hugged her. Gaurav comforted maa-sa as well. She whispered a thank you' to them. If it wasn't for them questioning the accusations, then the truth might never have been revealed. The family might have remained broken. Now, there was an attempt to repair it. Time would have to be the healer. Parvati looked from her father-in-law to her husband. They looked calmer. They weren't smiling, but they weren't angry anymore. It seemed the truth cooled the hatred within them both. She wanted to be happy, and to some extent she was. But there was still one piece of the puzzle that wasn't solved yet. She broke the hug with Mala.

Paro looked at both men and asked, "And Pia?"

"What about Pia?" Dilsher asked.

"Do you still hate her?"

"Parvati, who told you I hated her?"

Rudra looked at his father, "You never hated her?"

"Why would I?"

"Because she's Tejawat's daughter."

"I never hated her. Pia's past doesn't affect me, or anyone else. We can't judge her based on who her parents are. We have to judge her based on her actions. She's a good person, who never meant to hurt anyone. I don't blame Pia for any of this because what happened was between me, Mala, and Tejawat. Why, I love her just as much as I love Rudra."

"Really?" Mala asked.

Dilsher nodded, "I already considered her my daughter before I knew the truth. Knowing what I know now doesn't change that. At the end of the day, Pia is Rudra's younger sister. It's something I've come to accept."

Rudra stood listening to his father, who was honestly too kind for words, "Why didn't you tell any of this to Pia?"

"I wanted to, but she left before I could."

Gaurav looked at Rudra, "We need to bring Pia back."

"Do you know where she is?" Mala asked.

"She's with Aman bhai-sa," Paro answered. "We should go get her first thing in the morning."

"You, Gaurav, and I will go," Rudra stated. "She won't come if she sees maa-sa. Pia doesn't know the truth yet so seeing her will hurt her."

It was decided that, in the morning, Rudra, Paro, and Gaurav would go and fetch Pia from Aman's home. During that time, Dilsher would explain to the family everything that had occurred. He relished in the fact that he would get to counter all of Mohini's attacks, which were destined to come with the news he was going to give. In their room, Paro and Rudra laid in bed and talked due to their restlessness. They were unsure as to what was going to happen to the family with Pia's return. Hopefully they were willing to accept her. If they didn't, Rudra would make them. After everything that happened, supporting her was the least he could do.

"Paro," Rudra said. "Do you think Pia will be able to forgive us for behaving with her the way we did?"

"Pia has a big heart," she replied. "She is stubborn, but she is forgiving."

"Our fight was pretty big. We said some things to each other...mean things. I

was even aggressive with her. For a minute, I turned into that old jallad Rudra."

Sensing the distress in his voice, Paro moved closer to Rudra and caressed his face. He looked at her with pained eyes. She didn't know what had happened, but the remorse was visible in his demeanor. It had taken her a lot of effort to turn the jallad Rudra into a human, and she could see how reverting back to it, even just for a minute, bothered him. Paro really wanted to know what had happened, but knew that if she did Rudra would push her away and avoid the topic. So she cuddled close to him, comforting him in the best way she knew how.

Rudra grabbed her hand that was still on his cheek and said, "I can't believe I acted that way with my own sister."

Paro's eyes widened, "You called Pia your sister."

"That's what she is, right?"

"It's just...that's the first time you've ever addressed her as such."

"I know. It feels different. Almost unreal, but it's the truth. She is my sister, and I behaved badly with her."

"Pia will forgive you eventually."

"I guess time will tell."

Parvati nodded, "Everything will be okay, Rudra."

He kissed her softly, "I love you."

"I love you too. Always."

The couple only managed to get a few hours of sleep, due to their anxiousness for the mission ahead of them. Rudra, Paro, and Gaurav drove to Aman's home early that morning. They had planned how they were going to break the news to Pia. The three of them were determined to bring her back home. It was going to be difficult for her to see the truth, but they were hopeful that it would be enough for her to come home and talk to Mala and Dilsher. Rudra drove with lightning speed to get to Aman's home. The car stopped in front of the house, and the three of them jumped out of the car. Gaurav was the first to knock on the door, as he was anxious to see Pia.

The door opened to reveal Aman. Gaurav looked passed him and into the house, his eyes searching for Pia. Rudra and Paro however, looked at Aman. They saw the sad look on his face, and knew something was wrong. Aman's eyes were red, almost bloodshot, as if he hadn't gotten any sleep. He seemed truly disturbed by something, and they knew it had to be about Pia.

"Aman where is Pia?" Gaurav asked. "We're here to take her back. We were all lied to. Tejawat lied. I have to explain this to her."

Aman's silence made Gaurav nervous.

"Aman bhai-sa what is wrong?" Paro asked concerned.

Rudra, Paro, and Gaurav were shocked. Gaurav grabbed Aman by his collar and growled, "What did you do? If you hurt her I swear I will kill you."

"I didn't do anything. I wouldn't even dream of hurting her. She left of her own accord."

"What do you mean she went back?" Rudra asked. "She just walked away?"

Aman shook his head, "Pia was really hurt by what you said and how you acted. I was trying to explain to her how you didn't mean it, but she said that what you said was proof that your family would never forgive her. She went into her room and I didn't want to bother her, but then a few minutes later I heard some noises..."

*Flashback*

The rustling sounds caused Aman to walk into Pia's room. He found her stuffing her clothes in a bag. A confused look flashed on his face. What was she doing now? He walked up to her and grabbed her arm, stopping her from continuing what she was doing.

"Pia," Aman said. "What are you doing?"

"I'm packing," she stated the obvious. "I need to leave from here. I can't stay here anymore."

"But why?"

"I only came here to find out who my parents were. I did. They don't want anything to do with me, so now I have to leave."

"Where are you going to go?"

"Back to Mumbai. Where I belong."

"And Gaurav?"

"I'll tell him I've gone home. He'll come later."

"And Parvati bhabhi? The Ranawats?"

"Paro knows me. She'll understand why I left. The Ranawats are better off without me. I caused the rift, and if I go away, then maybe it will get better. Maybe they could pretend that all of this was just a bad dream that they'll wake up from once I'm gone."

Aman let go of Pia. It was true that she got her answers, but things still weren't alright. Her running away again wasn't going to solve anything. She would have to face them soon. In a matter of two weeks, she had made a place for her herself with the Ranawats. Now that the truth was revealed it seemed that all of her memories with them didn't matter anymore. Why was she running away from her family? Was this her answer for everything? Pia was determined to leave, and Aman wasn't going to be able to change her mind. That didn't stop him from trying however. As she continued packing, he began pulling the things back out of her bag and putting them back.

Pia stopped, "What are you doing Aman? Stop."

"You're being ridiculous," Aman replied. "What's the need for you to leave? No matter what happens Mala will always be your mother and Rudra will always be your brother. Just accept it. I know I'm being blunt, but you have to understand that running away won't solve any of this. You have to stay and face your demons, if not they will continue to haunt you. I'm sorry Pia, but I'm doing this for your own good."

Pia felt the tears in her eyes threatening to fall. Not being able to bear the tears, Aman turned his back to her and continued unpacking her bag. He was upset that she was leaving, that he couldn't hide. It was clear by the way he was roughly pulling the contents of her bag out and shoving them back in the cupboard. Suddenly, he felt thud on his back, causing him to stop doing what he was doing. He looked down and saw Pia's arms wrapped around him gripping a fistful of his shirt. Aman tried to glance back, but couldn't. The anger he was feeling dissipated, and he let out a deep breath. He could feel her shaking, from what, he didn't know.

"Pia?"

She spoke softly, "Do you know how it feels to have the people you care about look at you with disgust, hating your existence?"

Aman remained silent.

"I know I should stay back, but I'm not strong enough to face them. I thought I was, but those looks of digust, those glares of hatred, I can't handle that. I know what you're trying to do, but you can't fix this. I need to go back home Aman, back to Mumbai."

Aman turned around and pulled her in his arms. He wanted Pia to stay, but not at the cost of her happiness. She thought going back to Mumbai would be the answer, and although Aman wanted to tell her that it wasn't, he couldn't. Pia fought, she went against Rudra, but she was nowhere near strong enough to fight against Rudra and his family forever. Aman had no choice but to let her go. He agreed to let her go back to Mumbai. He even dropped her off at the train station, and waited for her train with her. He sat next to her on a bench and, not for a single moment, letting go of her hand. When the train arrived early that morning, Pia gave one last hug to Aman. He slid his arms around her waist and he dug his face in the crook of her neck, wishing she wouldn't go.

"Thank you Aman," she said. "For everything. I'll call Gaurav once I'm back in Mumbai. If anyone comes to your home looking for me, just tell them I left. Hopefully they will understand."

Aman nodded, but didn't move his face from the crook of her neck. He closed his eyes.

" I will come back eventually, but it will be awhile."

"Call me once you reach," Aman stated. "And if you need anything just call me. I'll be a train ride away."

Pia let out a small laugh and joked, "I'll call you everyday. If I don't I'm afraid you'll end up on my doorstep the following day."

"I know you're joking, but...I wish you weren't."

Pia held onto Aman a few moments longer. Time stopped on that platform. The sound of the train whistle broke their trance.

She looked back at Aman, "I have to go. I will call you once I reach safely."

"Okay," he replied half-heartedly.

"Aman."

"Yes?"

Pia stood on her tiptoes and bravely gave him a peck on his cheek. Aman smiled, and she smiled in return before getting inside the train. He stood and waited for the train to leave. Once it disappeared out of sight, Aman came back home.

*Flashback ends*

"...I just got home about two hours ago," Aman concluded.

Everyone was surprised to hear what had happened. They were too late. If only they had come last night, then they would've stopped Pia from leaving. They were too late though. Paro was stunned by the events that occurred. Rudra hadn't told her what had specifically happened between him and Pia, but she knew that he must've really said something to hurt her. Pia could handle herself, but it takes a lot of painful insults to break her. Parvati wished she could've spoken to her at least once, to try to get her to understand. She looked over at Rudra. He was thinking about something. This was clear by the expression on his face.

"We're going to have to go to Mumbai to get her," Rudra stated.

"No," Gaurav said.

"We're done. This is it. No more. You are not going to get Pia to go back to the haveli with you. She'll come back when she's ready to, not because you say so."

"But we have to go get her and explain everything to her."

"At the cost of her happiness? Rudra, are you so blind that you can't see how miserable she is. She couldn't even come to me, the brother she grew up with. She ran away from the haveli to Aman's home. Aman isn't a childhood friend, he's an acquaintance of yours that we just met two weeks ago! Do you know how desperate Pia must've been to get away if she was willing to stay in a practical stranger's home?"

"What are we going to do then?" Paro asked.

"We are not going to do anything. I am going back to Mumbai with Pia. She's my family, my little sister. And where she goes, I go."

"Gaurav you can't just-."

Rudra interrupted, "Alright. You can leave."

The Major knew that, for now, Pia wouldn't return. She wanted to try to go back to her old life in Mumbai. She needed time away to figure things out...to figure herself out. Rudra knew Gaurav was right. He couldn't keep running after Pia and trying to force her to come back to the haveli, not if the price was her happiness. Without Pia, Gaurav has no reason to stay in the Ranawat Haveli. He and Parvati couldn't force him to stay, even if they did consider him family. The most important person in Gaurav's life was his sister, and nothing, not even her blood family, could change that. Rudra knew that if Gaurav went back, then at least Pia wouldn't be alone. Even if she didn't know it, he knew that loneliness could crumble even the strongest person.

Gaurav, Paro, and Rudra bid their farewells to Aman and returned to the Ranawat Haveli. Upon entering, they were greeted by Mala, who was waiting eagerly for both of her children to return. The look of defeat on the trio's faces was enough to tell her that they came home empty-handed. Gaurav explained to her that Pia had returned to Mumbai and that he was leaving as well to go stay with her. Mala was disheartened, but agreed that Gaurav should go. Pia shouldn't be alone at this time. Mala's heart broke. She was on the verge of having her daughter back, but she slipped through her fingers. Rudra went and informed the rest of the family the sudden turn of events. They were saddened by the news because they were all excited to add Pia to their family. After hearing what Tejawat had done, they wanted to apologize to her and make it up to her. Now, they couldn't even do that.

It was a little past noon when Gaurav came to the main hall with his packed bags. The entire family stood waiting for him, melancholy that he had to leave, but understood his reasoning. Gaurav stuck his phone in his pocket and looked up at the family.

"Pia arrived safely," he said. "She just called."

"How is she?" Mala asked.

"She sounded fine, but I will have to wait until I get home to know for sure."

"Gaurav, talk to her and explain what has happened," Dilsher said.

"I know I will."

Rudra walked up to him and said, "You're welcome to come back anytime. You, like Pia, are family too. If she considers you her brother, then you're nothing less than a brother to me."

Gaurav smiled and nodded. He gave Rudra a brotherly hug and said his goodbyes to every member of the family, who were now his family too. He gave hugs and promises of his return with Pia. He tried to remain strong as he saw a few tears shed due to his departure. He had come to Chandangarh with Pia, the only family he had, and now he was leaving the family who considered him their son. Gaurav grabbed his bags and slowly walked out of the haveli. The Ranawat family watched as he left, wondering if he and Pia would ever return.

**********

Well I hope that was enough drama for you all! Will Gaurav and Pia return? You will have to just wait and see!

As always, comments and feedback are very much welcome!

Thanks for reading!!

Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. Months turned into years. Two years had gone by since Pia and Gaurav's departure, and a day hadn't gone by when they weren't remembered. The good times reminded the family of the bad moments that led to the two of them leaving. There weren't any letters, but every now and then the Ranawats would receive a phone call from Gaurav. He would tell them what has been happening in Mumbai and how he and Pia are. At first, Pia was very upset, but she was slowly starting to return to her old, cheerful self. Pia never spoke to them, it was just Gaurav, but they were happy that he kept in touch with them. According to Gaurav, the only person Pia really spoke to was Aman, which Rudra already knew. Aman never told him, but he could tell by the way the junior officer smiled seeing his phone ring and light up with Pia's name. He would answer the phone even if he was on duty with the Major, and Rudra never minded. He does the same thing for Paro anyways. Even though Pia was gone, Aman's love for her never faded.

Not only did two years change Gaurav and Pia, but it also changed the Ranawats. Dilsher and Rudra had forgiven Mala, and they were slowly beginning to trust her again. It wasn't easy. The foundation of their relationship with her was pulled from the roots and had to be replanted. Parvati was forced to come to terms with the fact that Mala did cheat on Dilsher while they were married. She wanted to believe that that wasn't the case, but she couldn't deny the fact. She couldn't hate Mala for it because she had no part in or knowledge of the affair. But she could forgive her maa-sa and support her in trying to win back Rudra and Dilsher's trust. In two years, it had been half rebuilt, but it still needed much more work.

It seemed that the news about Pia being Mala's daughter had spread through Chandangarh a few weeks after Gaurav had left. Women in town began looking at Mala in snide condemnation, more so than they already did. Mohini even went so low as to bring some of them to the haveli in attempts to insult Mala, putting her down even more. Parvati tried defending her, causing her to be slandered as well. However, it only happened once. In the middle of the badmouthing, Rudra had arrived home and heard what was being said. He immediately defended his wife, mother, and Pia. Under his watch, no one was allowed to say anything negative about them. When he learned that his Mohini was behind it all, Rudra looked her dead in the eyes and threatened her point blank, stating that if she ever did anything like this again he would forget that she was family. Rudra had been a family man for awhile now, so when he made this threat Mohini shut up. It was true that she still didn't care for Mala and her family, that would never change. But Mohini knew that if she wasn't on Rudra's good side then she was his enemy, and after seeing what her nephew had done to Tejawat and his men, an enemy was not something she wanted to be to Rudra.

A few months after Gaurav had left, good news came in the form of a child. Despite Mohini's protests, Samrat and Maithili adopted a child. The family was all too willing to welcome the infant boy, who was named Karthik. The five-month old boy brought a new sort of happiness into the home. Taunts and insults were unheard from Mohini, as Rudra stood at the forefront of protecting the child. Everyone was able to see the glow of motherhood on Maithili. She so desperately wanted a child more than anything else. When asked what gave her the sudden courage to adopt against her mother-in-law's wishes, Maithili stated one word: Pia. She and Samrat saw how Pia's life changed when she was adopted, and that was because of Gaurav's mother and father. They felt that taunts and insults would mean little when it came to the love and affection they sought to give a child. That love would mean the world to the child, and so they were willing to adopt, despite Mohini's protests against it.

It seemed that happiness upon happiness was in store for the Ranawats because, exactly two months after Karthik's arrival, Parvati announced that she was pregnant. Dilsher and Mala was beyond ecstatic, which was clear in the way they practically danced around the house yelling that they were going to be grandparents. Rudra was stunned at first as he asked Paro how this had happened, when he knew all too well how it did! But once the reality sunk in he was elated. If the Major was protective of Paro before, then this overbearing nature was nothing less than smothering once he found out he was going to be a father. Nine months later, Rukmini Pratap Ranawat was born. The infant beauty looked just like Parvati, except for her eyes, which matched Rudra's. Rudra was very protective and caring towards his daughter. Not only because she was his daughter, but because she reminded him of Pia. He remembered how she wasn't wanted, and was left on the steps of the temple. Rudra was never going to get rid of his daughter, if anything he was going to be by her side until the day he died. He didn't care that she was a girl, in fact, her being a girl made him love her all the more. When glancing from the outside, it would appear that the Ranawat family was complete. However, only a member of the family could feel the emptiness of something missing.

The day of Holi finally arrived. It was decided that the family would go out and play instead of staying at home. There was a large celebration taking place out in the town. Despite much protesting, Mala and Dilsher convinced Parvati and Maithili to go and celebrate and leave their children with them. They simply stated that they were young and should enjoy themselves, and that Mala and Dilsher were not particular about being doused in colors. Rudra and Danveer had even taken the day off from work. The Major wasn't one to enjoy the festival of colors, but when Paro asked him he couldn't refuse. Because of her request, he also invited Aman to come celebrate with them. He was a part of the family and should be treated as such. Now, everyone was waiting for Aman to arrive at the haveli, so they could all go to town together.

They were all dressed in white, waiting around the main room patiently for Aman to arrive. The sounds of giggles and baby words came from the now two and a half year old Karthik, who was sitting on the swing with Mala. He was looking at Rukmini, who was in Mala's arms, and trying to get her to laugh by making silly sounds and faces. Every so often, Rudra and Parvati would look back when they heard their daughter shriek with laughter.

"These two remind me so much of Gaurav and Pia. Karthik really seems to be attached to Rukmini," Maithili said.

"It has been that way since the day she was born," Paro replied. "It was by instinct Karthik knew that Rukmini was his cousin."

"And that his duty was to protect her like an older brother," Samrat added. "If I didn't know any better, I would've thought that he was yours and Rudra's son with the way he is attached to Rudra."

It was true. Karthik had grown very fond of Rudra. Maithili would often find her son running around with Rudra's BSD hat on, pretending to be an officer and calling himself Major Karthik Ranawat. The hat was actually two sizes too big, so when Karthik wore it, the hat would automatically cover his eyes. Everyone would laugh. Parvati would always tell Rudra that his nephew is following in his footsteps, something that made Rudra twirl his mustache with pride.

Paro now looked over at Rudra, "Major saab, are you sure you told Aman bhai-sa to come celebrate with us?"

"Yes Paro. I told you I did. I was even in front of you when I made the call," he answered. "I just called him and he didn't answer. I left him a message. He'll be here soon."

As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Paro, who was already standing, went to the door and answered it. Aman stood in the doorway, dressed in white, with a huge grin on his face. Paro looked at him from head-to-toe, trying to stifle her laughter. It seemed that he had already partaken in some color fights because his white shirt was covered in red and pink powder, along with his cheeks.

Parvati laughed, "Aman bhai-sa! You have color all over you! Did you start without us?"

"I really didn't have a choice," Aman retorted. "I was ambushed."

"By who?"

Aman couldn't answer her question. He simply had to show her. He looked to his left, then to his right, then back at Paro. She didn't understand what he was doing until she saw Pia and Gaurav appear by Aman's side. The trio was grinning widely. Parvati's jaw dropped. She blinked and rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn't imagining things. Her mind wasn't playing games with her. It had taken two years, but they were back. They were really there.

"Gaurav. Pia." Paro said. "You're...you're here."

"Happy Holi Paro," Gaurav said holding out a handful of blue powder. "I told you we'd come back eventually."

Paro's eyes widened seeing the contents in his hand, "Gaurav, don't do it."

"I'm not going to do anything. Pia is."

Just as Paro looked in Pia's direction she felt Pia's hands rubbing powder on her face. Paro closed her eyes and screamed in joy, trying to back away. But Pia kept inching closer. She put color on Paro's entire face and arms. Some even landed in her hair. When Pia finally stopped, Parvati looked at her. She still had color in her hands, but she had stopped. Her eyes were filled with tears of happiness that were ready to overflow. The smile, Pia's old smile, was back on her face. Pia immediately came forward and hugged Paro like the family she was. She didn't even care if she was getting color on herself. Parvati held her sister-in-law so tightly that she almost squeezed the life out of her. After a minute, they moved away from each other.

"Happy Holi," Pia said with a large grin on her face.

"Happy Holi," Paro replied. "I can't believe you two are really here."

"I hope the color is proof enough that you're not dreaming."

"I will get you back for this."

Gaurav extended his powder-filled hand to Paro, "Here. Take this blue powder."

Paro did so and began chasing Pia, who ran inside the haveli. Gaurav and Aman ran behind them. The shouting and laughter caught the attention of the entire family. They waited and listened until they saw the originators come into view. Pia came running into the main room from the hallway, and Paro wasn't too far behind her. Then they saw Aman and Gaurav trail behind them. When Pia actually looked in front of her instead of at Parvati, she saw the entire Ranawat family staring at her, shocked and wide-eyed. She immediately halted in her tracks. The smile faded from her face as she came face-to-face with her family.

Her eyes looked at all the faces individually. She didn't know how to react, but more importantly she didn't know how they would react. She was afraid to face them, but knew she had to come back. Last time she had seen the Ranawats they looked at her with hatred. But today she saw something else in all of their eyes. Pia slowly took a step back, only to collide with Aman, who put his hands on her shoulders. She looked back at him and he silently nodded, assuring her that he was there. Gaurav walked over next to her and pushed her forward, encouraging her to go forward and speak up. The small push didn't help much because Pia was still scared at the small crowd in front of her that hadn't removed their gaze.

Pia had rehearsed what she was going to say to everyone once she returned, but now that she was in front of them, her words were lost. Suddenly, she felt a hand around her shoulder. Pia looked over and found Parvati smiling at her reassuringly. In her own way, she was telling Pia that everything is okay, and that she will stand by her side. It was with the silent promise that Pia found her courage again. She and Paro began walking towards everyone. Rudra was the first to walk up to her.

Two years had gone by and he hadn't heard a word from her. Now she appeared on Holi at his doorstep. There were many things running through his mind, and he could tell that Pia was feeling the same way. His expression, however, was unreadable. Now, the siblings stood in front of each other, waiting, contemplating, reading each other's body language. The rest of the family, along with Aman and Gaurav, watched the two of them with bated breath, anxiously anticipating what was going to happen next.

After what seemed like ages, Rudra spoke, "So, you're back."

Pia nodded, "Gaurav told me everything."

"So you know Tejawat played us?"

"Yes."

"You know we don't hate you?"

"Yes."

"It took you two years to find everything out and come back?"

"It didn't take me long to understand. It took me awhile to figure out how to face everyone. The truth is I wasn't ready to come back. I didn't have the courage to face you, especially after everything that you said two years ago."

Rudra remembered how he had insulted her and was rough with her. Aman had stopped him from hurting her any further. Thank god he did. Rudra wasn't in the right state of mind as he was still trying to accept the truth. Two years allowed him to do so. Now he was just glad Pia was back. He was finally able to do what he wanted to two years ago, before she left.

"I'm sorry for what I said," Rudra said. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just upset."

Pia gave a small smile and grabbed her ears, "We both said things that hurt each other. It just proved that we are siblings. I'm sorry for what I said as well. Sorry...Rudra bhai-sa."

Rudra smiled and extended his arm out to her, and Pia hugged him happily. In that gesture, the sibling's conflict had ended. Rudra gently patted her head, like he had done for her once before, but this time their was no awkwardness, just acceptance. Pia moved away and wiped the tears from her eyes. Her vision was cleared only to reveal Mala walking up to them. She took one step forward and was now right in front of her. The flashbacks of memories together came flooding back. Before, the memories would've been painful, but now they were filled with a sense of hope. After finding out that Tejawat tricked them, Pia could no longer blame Mala because she wanted her, and would've given up everything to get her back.

Mala choked up, "Pia. You're back. I-."

Pia stopped her by leaping into her arms and letting the tears fall. She sobbed like never before. Her cries broke Mala as she cried as well, all while holding her daughter.

"I'm so sorry for everything I said," Pia cried. "I'm so sorry. Tejawat tricked us all, but I should've believed that you would never have done such a thing."

Mala pulled Pia back and wiped her tears, "No Pia. You don't need to be sorry. I should be sorry."

"No, you didn't know I was alive. I know that if you did, you would've searched for me. I'm sorry for thinking you didn't love or want me. I'm sorry for not listening to you, for not believing that you wouldn't do such a thing. I'm so sorry maa-sa."

"It's okay Pia. You're here now. That's all that matters. Let bygones be bygones. You're here now. We're together as a family."

Dilsher, who was standing quietly watching the scene unfold, finally spoke up, "Pia."

Pia looked over at Dilsher. He came up to her and smiled happily. Pia remembered how Gaurav told her that Dilsher never hated her and wanted to tell her, but she left. He never blamed her for anything, and in fact, did love her like a daughter. Without saying a single word, he extended his arms out to her. Pia ran into the open arms extended towards her. Dilsher patted her head to comfort her, and attempt to stop her crying.

"Pia," Dilsher said calmly. "You know I don't hate you. I consider you my daughter. I don't want you to think that you staying here is painful for me. Mala is right. Let bygones be bygones."

"I know Dilsher uncle I just-."

Dilsher pulled Pia out of his arms, "Dilsher uncle? What is this? I will not accept you calling me anything other than bapu-sa."

"But how can I-."

"If you want me to let bygones be bygones then this is my only condition."

She hugged him again and laughed, "Bapu-sa."

Mala watched as Pia hugged Dilsher again. Her gaze turned to Gaurav, who was standing silently next to Aman with his hands in his pockets. A smile was painted on his face, and tears of happiness filled his eyes. Ever since they were little, all Gaurav cared about was Pia's happiness. Today, seeing her grinning with a new sense of fulfillment, Mala knew Gaurav was content. She walked up to Gaurav and extended her arms out for him to come in her embrace.

He looked at her questioningly, "Maa-sa?"

"I don't have just one son," Mala said. "I have two. Come here."

Gaurav smiled and leaned down to hug Mala. It seemed that the moment was contagious because the next thing they knew Pia came running up to them and joined the hug. Even Rudra, who was not an affectionate person, came and hugged his mother. Parvati watched as the tender scene before her. Her maa-sa yearned to give the motherly love she kept within her for so long. Now, she didn't have just one, but three children to give it to. She looked over to Dilsher, who was shaking his head and waving his hands in a no' when Gaurav asked him to join the group, calling him bapu-sa in the process. Dilsher was very happy, but he didn't feel the need to get involved in the hug. He allowed his wife and now three children to enjoy themselves. Parvati then smiled and closed her eyes to thank Bholenath for giving them this moment. This was truly the best Holi ever.

**********

So was this chapter a tear-jerker? I hope you liked it. The next chapter will be the final chapter of 'Rishtey'!

As always, leave your comments and feedback below!

Thanks for reading!