Part 10: Adhi's papa - Raman & I love my daughter too
Days Pass, they are now a complete family. Father, mother and two children. Adhi bonded really well with Ruhi. He always wanted a sibling and Ruhi was an angel who gave him the pleasure of becoming brother. He was very protective towards Ruhi. Raman wanted Ruhi also to be in the same school of Adhi. They decided to initiate the admission process for her kinder garden for next academic year. When Ruhi used to play in the evening no one could dare hurt Ruhi. Adhi was very protective towards her and even would hit the other kids if they hurt Ruhi. Raman- Adhi's routine of tennis and swimming was continuing regularly. Ishitha was a divine mother of Ruhi. Raman always felt that she loves Ruhi more than her own biological mother. But for Ishitha to bring in that feeling for Raman was not easy because Subbu was a loving father to Adhi, but when the time of decision making he choose Money to Adhi. She always wanted Adhi to accept Raman as his father. She realized that Adhi accepted their marriage for the sake of staying with her and for Adhi to accept Raman as his father is very difficult. She also realized that Raman also loves Ruhi but is not expressive and trying to distance himself from Ruhi. Her daily prayers would definitely include her both kids must accept Raman whole heartedly. They went out as a family during the weekends. It was all perfect yet there were imperfections which Ishitha thought was her responsibility of fill in.
One day Ishitha was arranging Adhi's room. Raman comes to meet Adhi and enquires
R: Ishitha where is Adhi
I: He has gone out with his friends.
Raman's eyes the painting that Adhi had painted. He noticed them while arranging the room the day Adhi came to the Bhalla house.
R: Ishitha wanted to ask you one thing, Is Adhi very fond of painting.
I: Yes Raman and starts showing him all his paintings and also mentions that Subbu used to teach him a lot as he himself was a very good painter.
Raman is not linking mention of Subbu.
R: Ishitha, I know you have told me you have not moved on. But don't bring Subbu's name time and again. I cannot accept the fact that my son also has another father. I know it's the crude reality of my life but I feel bad.
I: Iam sorry. Didn't mean to hurt you will take care of it in future.
R: Can you give me these paintings, there is a national level art exhibition where paintings are being called for and these are really so good. I would like to send them. Don't tell Adhi, let it be a surprise to him.
I: Oh that gr8 Raman. Take them and hands it over to Raman. She feel very delighted.as Raman leaves she call him And thanks for accepting Adhi as your son completely and doing so much.
R: When you can accept my daughter and do so much I can also so this for our son.
I: Raman I wanted to talk to you about Ruhi.
R: Tell me
I: You need to spend more time with her. I can give her a mother's love. But she also deserves father's love
R: Ishitha, I know I have a built a distance between myself and Ruhi. But Iam helpless and cannot bridge that distance. Iam sorry and he leaves.
Ishitha talks to herself, why is Raman always avoiding Ruhi. Poor kid why is she deprived of so many things at this age. Toshiji sees her talking to herself and comes to her.
T: Ishitha what happened
I: Mummuji I have a question shall I ask you
T: Puch na puttar( Ask )
I: Mummyji Raman oah mai ruhi
T: Bola na puttar. Why are you hesitant
I: Mummyji, Raman Ruhi se door kui rehthe hai( Why is Raman distanced from Ruhi)
Tears starts rolling down Toshiji's eyes when she hears this
I: Iam sorry mummyji
T: No Ishitha, you need to know this. In fact you need to get them closer.
He gets reminded of his ex-wife Shagun when he sees her. They both have a mole above the lips. He is remembered of all the betrayal he had when he sees Ruhi's mole. But he loves Ruhi like how he loves your Adhi
T: Raman always loved his family. He gave first and foremost importance to the family and Shagun never valued his love. They were living separately in Mumbai as he was posted there. Papji was very upset that he choose to be a police officer in spite of studying so well. He would have earned very well if he was not into government services. He was an IPS officer, straightforward. She had so many servants to do all the household work. She never cared even for the children. Raman used to take care of them. He used to have a very hectic work but still he used to ensure he took good care of the family. But she wanted a luxurious life. She was pestering him to take bribes. Adhi was 6 years old then, She had given birth to Ruhi then. In fact she didn't want Ruhi, She in fact went ahead and was about to abort Ruhi. Raman was particular and convinced her to give birth to Ruhi. She was not giving proper care to Ruhi. I had to take care of papaji and the other kids. So could go. Raman handles all himself with the help of maids. That's when Ashok entered their life. She was accepting all the gifts that Ashok gave who was involved in smuggling without Raman's knowledge. This acquaintance gave Ashok opportunity to lure Shagun with his expensive gifts and Raman trusted her so much that he never doubted her. For a successful IPS officer like Raman, suddenly his operations started failing. Shagun was leaking all the professional secrets to Ashok by meddling with Raman's files. She was luring Raman showing fake love and one day Raman caught them red handed. He felt very dejected. With the same frustration he went for an operation. He didn't know that his wife had decided to defame him completely and he was going to lose that operation as well. They got to know that Raman has found the hide out of all the smuggled materials of Ashok. He went there only to find that they have shifted. He followed them from behind and while going for that operation he met Adhi who was being kidnapped. Ashok had done that, we assume even Shagun didn't know about it. Raman saved Adhi and was having him next to him. When he reached the new place where Ashok had shifted all his smuggled goods their car was set to fire and Raman couldn't save Adhi as he suffocated and fell down from the car and the car blasted. Raman had to see Adhi's death by his own eyes. That to such a cruel death. We didn't even get the whole body of our 6 year old child. We brought him back in pieces and did his last rites. Raman lost his job as well. He was defamed saying he leaked important secrets to enemies. Then he came back to Delhi. He started hating Shagun as much as he loved her & applied for divorce. Shagun found Ruhi to be a hindrance in her new life with Ashok. So she left 6 months old kid with Raman. He used to take care of her very well. Then we suggested him to join the family business and he did it. He is in this place now. His love for Ruhi is so much, but he distances himself from her because he is reminded of Shagun.
I know you have had a dark past. But my son needs love Ishitha. Please love him; I know you people got married for the kids. But both of you deserve love, for the kind of lovely individuals you both are. Please handle my son. I know he has stopped drinking because of you. Make his family complete. Now his family has a son only. Get him closer to his daughter and become his wife in true sense. He for sure deserves to be loved and that to by a person like you. He needs a shoulder to rest his problems, he needs a hand to hold him and he needs a person to love him. Please make him my Happy who used to be happy always. I have huge hopes on you Ishitha. I know you can only love people. Don't stay away from him with a boundary. Break the barriers he has built around him. Tell me will you do it.
Ishitha is already in tears listening to Raman's past. She simply gives a nod and goes to her room.
She promises to herself that she will be a good support to Raman and get Raman & Ruhi together. She talks to herself.
Mummyji I don't know if can ever become Raman's wife. But I will ensure that I give him a shoulder to shed his worries. A hand to hold when he is in trouble & a true affection of a friend. She wipes her tears and goes to Raman's wardrobe. It's all scattered and she arranges it. Raman arrives back home while she is finishing. He is surprised to see his shelf arranged.
R: Thanks Ishitha, you didn't have to do it.
I: I know, but I like doing it. If you don't mind would like to do it.
R: No that's not about me liking it. In fact I was finding it very difficult to find things, good that you helped me. Indeed appreciate your help.
I: Your welcome, I wanted to ask you something
R: Tell me
I: I have an important conference in Bangalore next week. If you can take care of Adhi and Ruhi for 2 days, I will attend it else I will have to stay back
R: We have so many people at home we can manage. You go
I: No Raman, even mummyji and Papaji are going to some family function in Jalandar. So wanted to check with you. Adhi is elder kid, he can manage. But Ruhi will need attention.
R: Fine I will take care. You go.
I Shall I get tea for you
R: No, why are behaving like a typical wife today. I don't know why am I finding you very different today.
I: Raman we were good friends before wedding. Now whether we like it or not we are wedded. But I don't want our friendship to get into an awkward shift. So trying to be friendly with you. If you have a problem with that fine with me.
R: Hey I am more than fine and was little embarrassed to talk to you about that. I am happy that you yourself accepted that.
Ishitha smiles and leaves the room comes and inform Toshiji about her plan of letting the father daughter alone and this way Raman will be forced to be with her. Toshiji also liked this idea, Toshiji was anyways going for a wedding in Jalandar and only Ishitha had to excuse herself somewhere. Ishitha decided to go out of station and meet some friends in Bangalore.
Two days later Raman receives a letter and becomes very delighted. It is the acceptance for Adhi's National level art exhibition/competition. He informs Ishitha and Adhi. All are very happy thinking Adhi will do well. The competition is in a month.
All are set to execute the plan for Ruhi and Raman. Ishitha has instructed Adhi enough to get both the daughter and father closer to each other. All the family members leave to Jalandar and Ishitha leaves to Bangalore.
Next day morning Raman is sleeping, Adhi comes and wakes him up.
A: Raman dude, amma is not there. You need to get Ruhi ready to school.
Raman wakes up with a tud shock and quickly brushes his teeth and goes to Ruhi. Ruhi is doing all nakras to get up and Raman is waking her up patiently. Raman brushes her teeth. Gives her bath. Gets her ready. He plights her hair as well. Adhi is helping Raman in everything. The maid packs the lunch and Raman leaves both Adhi and Ruhi at the school. Raman feels very happy about his morning and shares the same with Mihir. Ishitha has already told Mihir also to do his part.
M: Bhai, see how happy you are when you spend time with Ruhi. She was also so happy you told me. Why didn't you reduce the unwanted distance that you have built from Ruhi. She is like Shagun in looks but not in her behavior. Please think about it bhai.
Raman realizes this and is in deep thoughts. In the evening he leaves the office early. He goes and picks both the kids. Adhi also creates situations where Raman has to help Ruhi and they end up spending time together. They play, go out for an ice cream and really enjoy with each other. Ruhi was in cloud nine. She has never spent so much time with her papa from the time was born as far as she remembers. She gets to see the loving and caring side of her father as against always rude & indifferent father. The next day also pass the same as previous day. Raman appears with a new found bliss in his face and Mihir complements him for the same. Raman thanks Mihir for making him realize his love for his daughter. Mihir informs him that it's all Ishitha Bhabi's plan to get the father daughter dio together. Raman is pleasantly surprised. Evening when they come back they all decide to go out for dinner as the maid is off. Ishitha arrives after an hour and is very happy seeing Raman and Ruhi playing together. Adhi and Ruhi notice Ishitha and run to her. They tell her they missed her. She gives them the gift that she bought. Raman extends his hand ask her his gift.
R: Mera gift kha hai( Where is my gift)
I: Sorry Raman,Mujje apke pasad na pasad ka utna nehi pattha. I didn't get anything for you. ( I don't know much about your likes and dislikes)
R: You have given me my gift already. I know you went for the conference to give me the gift you gave me. Saying so he leaves from the room. Ruhi runs behind him.
Ishitha is confused and not understanding what Raman is talking about. She didn't expect Mihir to tell Raman. Then she enquires Adhi how he executed their plan and Adhi explains what he did. Raman who had come down to pick his mobile realizes that Adhi was also part of her plan and smiles. When Ishitha sees ruhi, she asks her
I: Ruhi, papa did so much for you did you thank him.
Ru: No mama
I: There is a special way to talk your father, saying so she tells something in her ears.
Ruhi smiles listening to this and goes to Raman. She indicates Raman to carry her
R: papa you are so nice, you take care of me so well. You get all that I want. You made me feel like a princess. These two days were most memorable. I really wish mama goes out quite often and I get to stay with you. I love you, you my super papa and peck his cheeks.
Raman is teary eyes and kisses her back I love you too beta. Even I enjoyed these two days very much. Ishitha looks on; she has a small tear in her eyes.
After this Ruhi gets down and runs outside the house to play. Adhi follows her like a protective brother. Raman approaches Ishitha and holds her hand. Thanks you so much Ishitha for breaking the inhibition I had for my daughter. You made me closer to my daughter. I really owe you something very big. Thanks once again.
Ishitha gives a surpised look and Raman explains what Mihir told him and how he over heard Adhi and her conversation. Ishitha is feeling little uncomfortable as Raman is holding her hand and Raman realizes it and leaves her hand. She thanks him and says she is leaving to make the dinner. Raman stops her and says that they all we go out for dinner. Ishitha again tells Raman
I: I wanted to talk to you on something
R: Tell me
I: I would like to take up some part time employment. Now you don't take any money for household from me. The EMI of the house I can manage with a part time employment. I am not having sufficient time to take care of the house and children. What do you think?
R: There is nothing to think. Do whatever you want. I feel it's too much of work for you. I couldn't manage taking care of these two for 2 days. I really wonder how do you do it all time. Even if you want to stay at home also fine with me. I will take care of your house EMI
I: Thanks Raman, But I want to take care of the EMI myself. I will look for part-time job opportunities.
She leaves the room, not before thinking how different Raman is from Subbu. She remembers instances when Subbu aborted their second child saying he cannot afford to lose her salary even for a month. Her eyes become teary and she wipes them. They go out for dinner and have a good time.
Days pass, now Raman is closer to both his children. Toshiji was the happiest person and thanked Ishitha for getting Ruhi closer to Raman. It's the day of Art completion. Raman, Ishitha, Ruhi & Adhi go for the completion. There was option for setting up stalls for the artists apart for the completion. Raman had set up a special stall with all Adhi's work to surprise him. Adhi is very impressed and thanks Raman. The completion and the stalls were set by elderly children as well it was upto 18 years. Adhi's works were standing out special.
He paints a happy family out painting. With Raman occupying the major screen space and Ishitha and Ruhi with him. There was bright sun on the background and a horizon. The concept of the competition was essence of life and he mentioned for him the essence of his life is his happy family beyond the natural riches and horizon. He explained his painting as stated above. Raman and Ishitha were so touched thinking about the family values he had inculcated in him.
Then it's time for the results. All the participants are called on stage and Raman wishes Adhi and sends him to stage. The results are declared and Adhi emerges as a winner among all the kids. Ishitha is teary eyed. Adhi goes to speak up before receiving the award. He says he is thankful to his father who taught him this art. Raman feels little disappointed. Ishitha sees it and puts her hand on his and consoles him. Then he thanks his mother for encouraging him pursue this art. Then he says Iam thankful to you Mr Raman kumar Bhalla for encouraging me, supporting me and getting me to this place. But for your effort I would not have been here. Raman feels even worse that he is not referring him as father in the public and calling him by name. Then when the chef guest is about to award him the award, Adhi calls out Raman
A: Raman papa, I have never called you papa till today. But I intend to call you so for whole of my lifetime from now on. I would be delighted if you come down and share this award with me on stage. But for you papa I would not have participated in this. Thanks for coming into my life. You are an amazing person and today I proudly declare you as more than my own biological father. Thanks for becoming my papa. Please come down on stage.
Raman is full of tears in his eyes. So is Ishitha. She is happy finally Adhi accepted Raman as his father. She jerks Raman to come out of emotional fix and asks him to go. Raman goes to the stage and shares the award with Adhi and kisses him. Adhi kisses him back and they have a hug. Ruhi and Ishitha look on. They clap for both of them. They take a complete family pic along with Adhi's painting. All of them take sweets and get back home. They announce the happy news to the whole family and everyone is happy.
Both Mrs Iyer and Bhalla see their children happy and also notice the sudden discomfort when Romi asks Raman to put his hand on Ishitha's shoulder for a pic. They realize that they are still not sharing a relationship of husband and wife and decide to do something about that.
Part 11:
Plan of both the Mothers
Raman is going to Mumbai for two weeks. The mothers decide to make them stay apart so that they both miss each other.
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