Part 8: Point of Decision making
What she held in her hand was not a piece of paper but was her life, her son. She always longed for Subbu's love that she never got. She thought her son was the only reason for her survival. Not her reason for survival was being snatched from her. She was full of tears. On top of it her father was ranting saying it was all because for her budding friendship with Raman. When a women is divorced she is not even entitled of making friendship what is this. In what way it is fair, she thought to herself. She was loyal, loving and she got his infidelity. All she wanted in life was love and he gave her hatred and now he wants their child. That child whom he was ready to let go to get all the material benefits and now he wants that back after getting back all the things in life. She was full of tears, the ground beneath her was moving and she was unable to stand and about to fall. Raman who was entering the Iyer house with tickets for the children's movie for 4 of them happily comes and holds her. He sees her eyes swollen and red. Comprehends that she had been crying.
R: Ishitha what's wrong with you why are you crying, he asked worriedly
I: She is still in tears slowly handing over the notice to Raman. I have lost the only objective of my life Raman.
Raman glances the notice and is visibly irritated. His heart is aching with the very thought that he will lose Adhi. He was behaving protective towards Adhi. He felt as though his heart was being taken out and thrown out of his system.
R: How can he claim the custody of Adhi. Ishitha, I will be with you don't worry. I will call up my legal adviser we will sort this out. He assured her and called his lawyer and fixed an appointment for next day.
Next day Ishitha goes to the lawyer with Raman. Mr Iyer and Mihir are also with them. Meanwhile Mrs Iyer and Mrs Bhalla have met and Mrs Bhalla was reassuring Mrs iyer that things will be fine
The lawyer is shown the written agreement that subbu had signed which clearly sates that he will not claim custody of Adhi. But still the lawyer says that can be a solid proof, but since she is still single and Adhi can get a congenial environment of both parents with Subbu. Moreover he has raised questions about Ishitha's character which can create further problem.
R: So Neil, what the way out . do you think we will lose the case
N: No Raman we can win if
R: if what tell me. I will do anything and everything possible
N: It would be gr8 if Ishitha can re marry someone. That can be really very advantageous
I: What are you saying, I dint need any man in my life
N: You don't need a man in your life, but your son needs a father. That would be their argument in the court. And they will ask Adhi's opinion also. He is 11 years old.
Isitha is speechless. Mr Iyer says but we don't have much time. How can we find a guy her her. She is divorced with a son.
R: Neil don't you think there is any other option
N: Bhai, if I had I would have told u
R: Ok we will come back again. You give us sometime to think through our options. You are going to take this case up. Please don't leave any stones unturned. I want Adhi with Ishitha at any cost.
They are come home. They brief the discussion to Mr & Mrs Bhalla and Mrs Iyer. Mrs Bhalla thinks this is the right opportunity to speak. She goes to Mrs Iyer and holds her hand
Tos: Don't think iam taking advantage of your situation. Adhi needs a father and my Ruhi needs a mother. We all know how well Raman bonds with Adhi and Ishitha with Ruhi. Why don't we get them married? They children will have a complete family. What do you say?
Mrs Iyer: You stole my words. This is not in my mind now. This has been lingering in my mind for so long. I was afraid of my husband who is very conservative. Was wondering if you people think we are trying to trap Raman for his wealth. So didn't dare to speak up. This thought came up my mind on the 1st day I saw them together.
Raman who had come down to pick a glass of water hears his mother's conversation with Mrs Iyer. He goes back taking a glass of water back to the living room to hear Mr Iyer ranting about finding a guy for Ishitha & Ishitha getting irritated with that.
R: Uncle, I have something to say. If you don't mind I would like to marry Ishitha
Everyone is shocked. Ishitha is the most. She walks up to him and gives him a tight slap. Thad a sound and everyone is shocked by her act. She is in tears.
I: I thought you are a different man. This is the respect you have given to our friendship. Are you trying to take advantage of my situation?
Raman is very angry and goes up to Ishitha and slaps her in return
R: So this is what you understand your friend. Do you know something we cannot be sure if we would get a friend in a life partner. But a true friend can be a good life partner. And friendship is foremost in a marital relationship. This is what I believe. I just heard both our mom's talking inside about our relationship and what a great parent we can be to each other's kids. Then the idea struck me. Subbu is blackmailing you about your character sating my relationship with you. I thought of shutting his mouth once for all. And trust me I cannot live without Adhi. I see my dead son in him. And Ruhi cannot get a better mom than you. Even her biological mother never loved her the way you love her. I know I have been doing injustice to my daughter and give you as her mother would only be the best possible repentance for that. These were my thoughts. But you don't seam to understand.
I: Iam sorry Raman. I was very disturbed and this came as a blow. See Ruhi is very small, but Adhi is nearing his teens. How do you think he will accept our relationship? I need time to think. My decision will only be based on Adhi's decision.
R: I can understand Ishitha. Don't think Iam doing a favor for you. There is lot of inherit selfishness in this. A mother for my daughter and a son for my own self. Iam a true business man and this can be a deal and of mutual benefit to both of us. I would like to talk to Adhi myself in this regard if you are fine about it.
I: Mr Raman kumar Bhalla, in the recent past I thought you have changed. But you will never change. For you relationships are deal. I just can't believe you. But iam in the need of the hour and this is something very embarrassing for me to talk to Adhi. So Iam fine if you talk to him, but I have never spoken ill about his father to him. So please don't try such cheap tricks to him.
Saying so she leaves to her room. Raman goes to Adhi.
R: Hi dude, whats up
A: Dude, you know what my father is trying to snatch me from my mother. My mom is very upset about this. So am I. Can you help us?
R: My dear Adhi, Iam here to talk to you on that. I know you are a big boy and u understand many things. I want you to understand one main thing will you listen to me.
A: Yes tell me Raman uncle
R: Your father is saying that here in this house you don't have a father and your mom and he cannot live together. If you go to his home you will get a new mother. But you cannot meet your mom. But of you get a father in this house, then things will be sorted. But then again you cannot meet your father. Now its up to you whom will you have to be with.
A: New father, are you talking about a step father for me. My mom will never agree. She used to love my father a lot. She can never ever imagine anyone in his place.
R: She is so now also Adhi. But She needs to have you with her forever and the lawyers say this is the only option
A: But whoever comes again will he keep my mom happy. I can accept anybody who can keep my mom hapy. I know I cannot forget my father. But Iam deeply hurt by his act now. I need not meet him, I dint for 2 years and still was happy. But when he is back in our life he is troubling my mom. I have never seen my mom happy. She was for past few months and now my father has decided to ruin it again. But has my mom decided whom will she marry ?
R: Adhi , Do you think Ruhi deserves a mother?
A: Why not Raman uncle, in fact you are so sweet. You also deserve a wife like how my mom deserves a husband and I deserve a father. But I don't know if the person who married my mom will accept me as his son or will I accept him as my father. But for my mom's happiness I feel she deserves to be happy.
R: I intend to marry your mom. I want to be your father, I want Ishitha to be Ruhi's mother. What is your thought about that?
Adhi is shocked and looks at Raman in astonishment. He says I would be happy. I have seen my mom happy with you. But I cannot assure you that I will accept you as my father.
R: I will wait for the day when you will accept. So what do I go and tell your mom, she has agreed to get married to me if you accept?
A: Tell her that Adhi agreed, wait I will go and tell her.
Adhi runs to Ishitha's room. She is standing facing the window looking athe sky.
A: Amma , iam so happy Raman will be my appa. He is so good. Even good than Subbu appa.
Ishitha is surprised to hear this from Adhi. She asks again Adhi are you sure you want to make him your papa.
A: Yes amma, he loves me a lot. He has supported me in everything.
I: Adhi you will also be asked in the court if you intend to live with Subbu appa. Iam telling you again. I am really interested din your happiness. If you feel like being with him. I am fine with that as well. All I want is that you must be happy.
A: Amma do you think I can be happy away from you.
He comes and hugs her. She further adds that they need to talk to Ruhi as well. Raman is listening to all this. Ishitha is getting ready to go and speak to Ruhi when she comes and hugs her happily and calls her Ishima I love you. Ishitha is teary eyed and hugs her back.
Mrs Bhalla and Iyer told her that Raman and Ishitha re getting married and she will become her mother.
All of them are delighted feed sweets to each other. Isitha moves up to Raman and requests that she needs to talk to him. They go to trace and talk.
I: Raman, marriage is a very big thing. Iam agreeing for this marriage only for the children. I don't think I can be your wife. I hope you are understanding what I am trying tell you. I mean about the emotional, physical and physiological bond between husband and wife.
R: laughs, Ishitha love happens only once in life. For both of us it happened and we didn't succeed. As much as you cannot be my wife I cannot be your husband too. I am over my wife, but I don't think I can ever give my heart to another women. So this marriage is only for the children. Iam very clear about that and you can also be assured of that. I don't intend you to do anything as a wife to me and you also don't expect me to be your husband in any way. But I will always be your friend.
They both smile and walk down the stairs.
Part 9: The Wedding
A simple wedding with minimum rituals are suggested as it's a second marriage for both of them. Both Mrs Iyer and Bhalla want to do all the rituals religiously from both the culture and really wish that their children are happy in this relationship.
Itti Si Khushi Sab TV
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
20