Pic-OSthon #2: Part 2 of TS by pretty_h on Pg 48 - Page 2

A BITTER PILL

'Your son has experienced a lot and this will also affect your daughter. You all need to find a solution to this. He needs security and a stable environment.'' These are the words that the therapist had said to Shagun, Ishita and Raman after one of Aditya's sessions.

They had to find a balance and they had to learn to put all their differences aside for the sake of their children and surprisingly Shagun agreed. Whether or not this positivity she portrayed was because she really wanted to make things works was something else that was yet to be seen.

Raman was elated and he was happy that finally his children were going to have stable environment to grow up in. All the drama and the heartache they have had to go through, they would finally get healed of that.

Shagun genuinely wanted her son to be okay as well. She had her flaws but she loved her children there was no doubting that. But every time she got to spend with Raman and the Bhallas she got to experience what she had thrown away and it tore her up inside. She saw how Ishita had it all, a good family, the children loved her and most importantly she had Raman.

Ishita had managed to have everything Shagun could have had, everything that was meant to be hers, Ishita was taking her place and after a while this ate her up inside and she just wanted to be back in Raman's life.

Ishita was the most fortunate, she felt completely blessed to have a family that adored her, children that loved her and am amazing man she got to call her husband. She wasn't gullible to think Shagun would completely change because some habits were just too hard for some people to get rid of but even with everything else, she was willing to make their relationship work for the sake of their children.

So when Shagun suggested this dinner party, she agreed without hesitation because it gave Raman a chance to spend time with his son and also improve the relationship between father and son that was still a work in progress and watch it develop into a beautiful thing.

'You're ready...'' Said Raman as they pulled up in the drive way

'Yeah of course...'' said Ishita

'Look I know this maybe a little awkward for you but Ruhi insisted you be here and Aditya too that is why...'' Raman tried to explain

'Hey who says I am complaining?'' said Ishita smilingly

Raman knew she was lying through her teeth, every time Shagun had one of these dinners Ishita was never invited, the only reason she was even here today was because Aditya and Ruhi had convinced Shagun to allow Ishita come.

Ishita's relationship and Aditya had improved greatly and they had a better understanding than they did earlier but the one with Shagun was still a miss. Maybe because Shagun still blamed her for a lot, maybe because Shagun just needed someone to blame for her problems, who knew but one thing Raman was sure of, it took a lot for Ishita to be here and he was grateful.

'Thank you for being here...'' Said Raman

'Arre yaar this business of thanking me every time I do something for you is running out of style. Like really you do not need to thank me for anything. I love you and all I need from you as gratitude is to just be my Ravan Kumar...'' She said winking at him as she came closer and placed a wet kiss on his lips driving him crazy.

'Ishima you're here...'' said Ruhi as she swung open the door falling into her mother's arms

'Oh my baby I missed you so much...'' Said Ishita

'Really Ishita Aunty, she had been away for like two days...'' Said Aditya as he came to the door to greet his parents

'Oh how is my favorite boy doing...'' Said Ishita as she came forward and hugged Aditya

'Not boy, Man, I am a man. Tell her Papa...'' Said Aditya as he hugged Ishita before he walked over to his dad hugging him as well

'Yes Ishita my son is a man, not a boy...'' Said Raman smilingly

'Papa how can Aditya be a man when he is scared of the dark...'' said Ruhi laughing

'It wasn't the dark it must have been the after effects of Ishita Auntie's chicken casserole. I swear it gave me nightmares...'' he said holding his stomach with a funny expression as if he was in pain

'Adi...'' said Ishita with her mouth open in an a perfect O Shape

Raman, Ruhi and Aditya all burst out laughing at the same time soon after which Ishita joined them finding the whole thing quite funny.

'Are you two going to come in or what...'' Said Shagun as she greeted Raman and Ishita

'You all so welcome to my home...'' She said

'Thank you, it is my pleasure to be here.'' Answered Ishita

'Oh God papa you know that game Titan Fall, I can't seem to get past this guy, he keeps on using the Vortex Shield.'' Said Aditya

'Oh I know how frustrating that is you need to just keep...'' Raman started to talk but got interrupted

'No video game talk, today is family night, remember...'' Said Shagun to which Aditya and Raman reluctantly stopped

Shagun would be damned than let Ishita get away with all the bullshit she had done to her, this dinner was to prove to her that Shagun was always going to be the one thing she would never replace in Raman's life because what she and Raman shared was something she couldn't give, their children.

If Ishita even for a minute thought Shagun was going to just blindly forget what she and her family put her through, then she had another thing coming. Mihika broke her marriage while Ishita sat pretty playing Mom to her children, this wasn't going to last.

Infant the purpose of these dinners was to ensure that Raman saw what an amazing family they made without Ishita there. But if she wanted to be here today and witness it herself, Shagun would be more than happy to show her.

They got into the house and everyone was excited about the night.

'Isn't this the first time we all are in the same room and no one is screaming...'' Said Adi playfully

To which the elders just looked at each other and the kids just laughed the awkwardness away. Shagun excused herself and brought everyone appetizers and welcome drinks

'Here you go, food is almost ready so please bear with me a little.'' Said Shagun as she lay the drinks on the table

'Oh My God Papa, Shagun Mama prepared your best dish rice Pilaf, Chicken and cashews. It smells really yummy'' said Ruhi

'Of course it does, my mom is a good cook. Maybe she can teach Ishima how to make the chicken casserole...'' Said Aditya innocently to which Shagun laughed, clearly laughing at Ishita

'Of course I would love to learn, maybe then I will get rid of those nightmares...'' she said to which both her and Aditya laughed and Raman grinning like an idiot as Shagun's smile disappeared

'Oh Ishita I didn't know what to prepare so I cooked mushroom dum biryani, I hope you do not mind.'' Said Shagun

Ishita looked at her and looked down hoping no one had seen the expression on her face, this was Shagun's way of acknowledging war and she knew it.

'Arree Mama, Ishita Aunty is allergic to mushroom.'' Said Aditya

'Oyi yo Haan ...'' said Ruhi after realizing something everyone in that room clearly knew

Even Raman knew that this might have been Shagun's way of just making Ishita feel unwanted

'Shagun I clearly told...'' but before he could continue, he felt Ishita touch his hand and say

'It is okay, she didn't know. I will fluff up something up fast. No worries.'' Said Ishita before she turned to Shagun and said

'Where is your kitchen?''

'Oh it is down the hall on your left. I am so sorry about this...'' Said Shagun clearly laying through her teeth

'It is an honest mistake, it is nothing I can't handle...'' Said Ishita as she walked over to the kitchen, leaving Shagun, Raman and the children in the living room

'Shagun Mama, aren't you going to help Ishima...'' asked Ruhi

'Oh no I am sure she can handle it.'' Said Shagun as she sat next to Raman where Ishita was sitting

Ishita made her way to the kitchen and the rest stayed playing games and having fun. The children were clearly having fun and much as Raman was feeling bad for Ishita, he knew she wouldn't have him anywhere else than here and he was grateful to her so much for being so understanding.

They got out the Nintendo and started to play Wii Tennis teaming up parents against children, it being Ruhi's idea, they all agreed.

Shagun and Aditya were up first, Aditya losing all rounds to Shagun.

'Oh God Mama, I swear you always do this, she cheats every time we play...'' Said Aditya as he passed the joystick pad to Ruhi

'No I don't. You are just on very sour loser...'' said Shagun

'Do not worry Adi I am going to wipe the floor with Papa. Trust me...'' Said Ruhi

'Yeah in your dreams...'' Said Raman as he took the pad from Shagun and got set ready to play

Shagun cheered both of them on as she was very clearly enjoying this moment without having any interruptions. Aditya slowly sneaked away from everyone and went to the kitchen where Ishita was.

'Oh hey hon. how is the game.'' Asked Ishita

'It is alright although mom is cheating.'' Said Aditya

'Oh ho so I gather you lost again,'' said Ishita letting out a small laugh

'Yeah I did, Ruhi and Papa are playing...'' Said Aditya

'Oh Ruhi is going to win. Your father always lets her win.'' Said Ishita

'Arree Haan that makes more sense, she cannot be that good.'' Said Aditya as if he had just established a big secret

Ishita looked at him and found the whole thing quite adorable letting out a small laugh. Aditya had come a long way since they met, he wasn't the same angry boy he was a few months ago. Maybe be the therapist really was right because he sure looked a happier child than he did when Ishita met him.

'I am so sorry about this...'' Ishita suddenly heard him say

'Sorry about what'' asked Ishita surprised

'About you being here and we being there Mom intentionally did this...'' Said Aditya

'You do not need to apologize for anything, It is fine besides as long as I get to share a meal with you, then I will get to cook my own meals as long as I live.'' Said Ishita pinching his cheek knowing full well he hated it but he just smiled and came forward and hugged her saying

'Okay then, I will keep you company while mama and papa have Ruhi and I am not taking no for an answer.'' Said Aditya pulling out a chair from the kitchen counter and sat

Ishita looked at him and smiled knowing well that it didn't make sense to try and argue with him because he was as persistent as his father and once they wanted something, they knew how to fight for it. She just turned and continued cooking asking him

'So tell me, about that level that you have failed to go through.'' Said Ishita

'You mean of the Titan fall, you mean you play?'' asked Aditya surprised

'Who do you think taught you dad.'' She said proudly

'No I don't believe you...'' said Aditya shocked

'Oh yeah, then I won't tell you how to beat that vortex shield.'' She said

'Okay okay tell me pleas...'' he said but hesitantly

'You sure...'' she asked

'Yes I am, no come on...'' said Aditya excited

'Well once your opponent engages the titan's vortex shield, stop firing. All of those projectiles are likely going to come right back at you anyway, so you should lessen the potential payload you're giving your enemy.'' She said

'So I just stay there and let him shoot.'' Asked Aditya attentively

'No not exactly you let your opponent drain his or her vortex shield and then unload on them after the shield goes down.'' She said

'Oh yeah because continuing to fire directly into a vortex shield is just a waste of ammo and usually ends up hurting you more in the end.'' Said Aditya

'Exactly...'' added Ishita

'Oh My God I hadn't thought about that. That is actually pretty good.'' Said a very surprised and impressed Aditya

'Told you I know a thing or two about it'' said Ishita smilingly

'Good God you're a gamer, an actual geek of a gamer...'' said Aditya letting out a small laugh

'No I am not...'' she said trying to act innocent

'Yeah you are...'' insisted Aditya

'Okay maybe a little. But tell anyone about this, I will deny everything.'' Said Ishita

'You secret is safe with me'' he said as he threw his head back laughing at her and just then Shagun walked in

'Hey you, I was looking everywhere for you...'' said Shagun

'I was learning a few things and I have to say, I am pretty impressed Ishima...'' he said slightly biting his tongue realizing what he had actually called her

'Hahaha well thank you and it is okay, you can call me that as well...'' Said Ishita laughingly

'Really, you're sure...'' he asked as if surprised that she agreed

'Of course, I am your Ishima aren't I?'' Ishita asked to which Aditya just nodded and walked to the living room

Ishita looked at Shagun and could see she didn't like what she saw but at that point, Ishita didn't really care because no matter what, this relationship between her and Shagun was never going to be a normal relationship between them and she was fine with that.

'I am done, can I help set the table...'' Asked Ishita

'No no I got it thank you.'' Said Shagun rudely

'Okay then, dinner is ready,'' And with that she left the kitchen

' You won't always win Ishita. I know what buttons I have to play and he will be all mine in a heartbeat because I gave him something you never will.'' Shagun found herself saying

Ishita listened to Shagun but choose to ignore because this was not the place for this nonsense so she just went to the living room

Everyone was getting ready to have this dinner, it was supposed to be a time when everyone was to put all the bullshit away and try and get along for the sake of the children. They needed a better environment to grow up in and this toxic relationship between Raman and his ex-wife was not helping anyone.

Ishita being the kind of woman who understood what family really meant wanted to ensure that this was a possibility for her Ruhi and also Aditya. She thought this would be an amazing experience for not only the parents but also the children and so when Aditya's therapist suggested it, she thought this may actually be a very good idea. What she didn't count on was how often she would be left out of things.

Shagun had lost a lot given everything that had happened. Shlok had left her for another woman, more so Ishita's sister, Raman had also deserted her for that very same person, Ishita and most importantly she was left all alone because even her own son was starting to do the exact same thing. This dinner had a lot riding on it for her. She was going to show off to everyone that she was a good mother and the best choice for Raman.

She had taken charge of organizing the whole thing for them just to show off but even that Ishita was trying to outshine her,

'The audacity of that woman even in my own house she is trying to outshine me' Shagun thought to herself as she walked over to serve the dinner

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Dinner was done it was an amazing day at least in Raman's point of view although Shagun would have had a different story to tell. Ishita had spoilt everything and Aditya being close to her just spoilt matters. It wasn't going to work trying to one up Ishita when it came to the kids she had to find another way.

Shagun knew how to get the better of Raman every single time. She knew what kind of buttons to press and what kind of things made him tick when she needed it and that is the one thing that she had that Ishita didn't.

All Ishita had going was the fact that she was Ruhi's mother and that was it, what else did she have that was better than Shagun, nothing. Raman had to know that some choices can just never be replaced

'I think it is getting late, don't you two need to go to bed...'' Said Raman

Shagun saw this as an opportunity as decided now or never, so she grabbed the glass of red wine she was having and intentionally let it slip through her fingers, spoiling Raman's shirt and pants

'Oh God I am so sorry, I can be clumsy at times...'' she said

'No it is okay... Urrrggghhh this is going to stain.'' Said Raman as he grabbed the napkin and tried to clean it

'Here let me show you to the bathroom, I think I have some clothes that you left the last time you were here'' she said looking at Ishita

'Raman go clean that up, I will take the kids to bed.'' Said Ishita

'Oh please a few more minutes..'' said Aditya

'Adi come on'' said Shagun

'Okay fine Goodnight papa thanks for coming.'' He said hugging his dad carefully avoiding the strain on the shirt

'Good night champ, we'll talk about that vortex tomorrow...'' said Raman

'Oh I already found a solution to that problem.'' He said as he smilingly looked at Ishita

'Oh I See...'' Said Raman to Ishita

'Goodnight papa..'' said Ruhi as she kissed her dad

The kids and Ishita walked to the bedroom while Shagun and Raman walked the other direction to Shagun's room.

Shagun brought the towels and change of clothes for Raman taking them to him as he kept on trying to wipe away the stain with the napkin

'Stop you are making it worse'' Said Shagun as she came forward to help him out of his shirt

Raman first looked at Shagun, a bit surprised at her forwardness and to be honest not even sure of how to react to this

'Shagun, I got it.'' He said as he held her hands and turned away

'I was just trying to help...'' She said throwing her hands back

Raman just looked at her and decided to walk past and go ahead in the bathroom to change. Shagun smiled mistaking Raman walking away for some kind of admission of him being affected by her and she was going to find out that was far from the truth.

He changed and came back to the living room where Shagun was sitting and she he found her looking at a photo album

'Hey do you remember this...'' she asked as Raman came forward and sat down next to her to see what she was talking about

It was a photo of him in the hospital with the day Aditya was born. He was holding his son in his arms for the first time

'Oh God of course I do. How can I forget that? This has to be one of the most fulfilling moments of my life.'' He said as he began to tear up

'Yeah, I remember how emotional you got...'' Said Shagun

'Well yeah still chocks me up to date'' He said as he tried to hide the tears that were beginning to swell up in his eyes

'I think I have Ruhi's around here somewhere, oh yeah here it is...'' Said Shagun as she dragged out Ruhi's photo

'God you kept all these, I seriously need a copy for real'' said Raman as he excitedly looked at the photos of both his children

'God you can't believe how much they have grown, Not so long ago they were tiny babies.'' Said Shagun

'Yeah tell me about it.'' Said Raman letting out a small laugh

Shagun knew there was never going to be another moment she would ever get Raman with his guard down like in this moment and she was most definitely going to take advantage of it. She could see Ishita walking back down and she wanted to make sure Ishita heard there conversation. So when Ishita stopped to eavesdrop, it just made matters easier

'We did something right.'' She added

'We sure did, best thing that ever came out of our relationship.'' He answered still looking at the photos in the album

'It wasn't all bad Raman was it?'' she asked as she took his hand in hers

'No it wasn't. We have two amazing children plus we did have some good times together.'' Said Raman

'Yeah we did, remember that trip we made to Goa...'' She asked laughingly

'Yeah of course, you were ill for the whole damn trip and when we got there you insisted you had some kind of food poisoning not knowing you were pregnant with Aditya.'' Said Raman as he threw his head back laughing

'My God you looked horrible...'' he added still laughing

'RK I swear it was a horrible experience...'' she answered before she suddenly kept quiet realizing what she had said

'You haven't called me that in over 8 years.'' Said Raman as he looked at Shagun's expression

'Yeah I am sorry, force of habit I guess. They say some habits never die.'' She said

'No it is alright...'' he answered removing his hand from hers

'Oh God look at this, I think this is Aditya's first recital.'' He added trying to change the topic

'Yeah, he was so nervous although you were more nervous than him.'' Said Shagun

'Yeah I know. It was nerve racking, are you kidding.'' He answered defensively letting out a small laugh

'Do you miss it...'' she asked hoping he gave the answer she wanted to her but definitely not his wife

'Of course I do. The idea of having to take care of someone and also create someone and be responsible for them, there is no better feeling than that.'' He answered

Shagun knew she had hit the right button as she could see Ishita was starting to tear up. She knew this was a sensitive topic for Ishita but she had to understand that this was something she could never give Raman and he just settled for her.

'Don't you want more?'' asked Shagun

'Of course I do. I know it is something I may or may not ever get again. The feel of baby, their smell, the feel of their soft skins, their touch, that innocent and honest look in their eyes and their cry in the middle of the night although it drove me absolutely crazy.'' He answered as they both laughed

'Ruhi was a horrible crier I swear at least Adi...'' Said Aditya

'I swear it was like she was allergic to sleep, it drove me absolutely mental and yet I couldn't go to bed with her crying, my heart wouldn't take it.'' He said answered still laughing

Ishita wanted to come in and join the conversation but her legs couldn't move. He was talking so freely with Shagun and that was something even Ishita wasn't ready to see. Raman looked so happy talking about his children, she understood how important kids were to him and yet felt horrible with the fact that it was something she was never going to give him.

'You gave me two amazing gifts and I will forever be indebted to you.'' He said

'Ahh I didn't do it alone. Do you miss it?'' Shagun asked

'Of course I do.'' He answered

'I mean do you feel like you missed out on having another one? You always wanted to have three children. Do you want another child or are you going to just settle'' Said Shagun trying to rub salt

'Aeehhh I wouldn't say settle'' said Raman as he started to rub his nose

'You're doing that thing you do with your nose when your evading'' Said Shagun

Ishita knew full well what Shagun was talking about and she, like Shagun, didn't understood why Raman was evading the question.

Raman on the other hand really didn't want to answer because he had noticed his wife and he knew she had heard him speak, so he just didn't want to hurt her but it was a little late as Ishita walked in

'I am so sorry that you going to have to settle and not have the things you love because of me. I am sorry I can't give you what you desire. I would give up my life just so you get to have a child believe me...'' Ishita said as tears swelled

'Arre yaar you are one seriously emotional woman...'' he said smilingly as he walked over from the seat to where Ishita was standing

'Raman, get Serious...'' Said Ishita wiping the tears from her eyes

'And who the hell told you I settled? I know what I got and couldn't change it for the world. I couldn't be happier...'' he said as he wiped a lone tear that was rolling down her cheeks

'Plus human beings are never content with what they have, it is in our DNA but if there one thing I am sure about is I never settled. Fell in love definitely, settled absolutely not.'' He said looking at her

'What...'' she said as if surprised. Raman smiled and winked replying

'You know exactly what I mean.''

He smilingly looked at her as her face lit up like the color of crimson and he loved every second of it because every time she blushed she looked sexier than before

He blew air to her face as if he was getting rid of the blush from her skin making her close her eyes as she felt his breath on her skin as she tilted her head making her hair fall to her face.

He slowly came forward and removed the hair that had made its way to her face and Ishita got butterflies in her stomach feeling the touch of his hand on her skin. It drove her crazy every time to which Raman smiled and just looked at her and how beautiful she was.

As she was still distracted with the hand near her face he slowly pulled her close with his other and encircled the small of her back pulling her closer. He slowly touched her neck and smiled as she closed her eyes again clearly being affected just as he was.

He blew air in her face again as she opened her eyes looking at him this time as he held her, his hand slowly moving down to the nape of her neck as he tilted her head just a tiny bit giving him better access to her lips as he looked at her lips.

And with Shagun standing there watching them, they completely forgot their surroundings and were in a world of their own.

He moved closer their noses touching but he stopped an inch before he touched her lips giving her the choice to close in on that distance, and it was a chance she took with utmost pleasure. She leaned in and almost put her lips on his but he leaned back a little, teasing her and it drove her insane because this just made her want him even more

He smiled when he saw how discontent she got as he leaned in and started placing wet kissed on her eyes kissing her tears away in the process, he kissed her cheeks then the nape of her neck before he slowly moved his lips all the way to her mouth, kissing her like they were the only two people on the room

Ishita kissed him back then pulled away as she suddenly remembered her surroundings and where they were letting out a small laugh

'HHHMMM What...'' asked Raman who was completely obliviant by the fact that Shagun was actually still in the room

'Raman, we are guests here remember...'' She said letting out a tiny sexy chuckle

'Oh so sorry...'' he suddenly pulled away looking at a very shocked, disgusted and completely pissed off Shagun

He then turned and looked at Ishita winking at her as he let out his tongue biting it in a naughty way like a child caught in the wrong

'So sorry about that Shagun I think we need to leave...'' he said as he looked at Shagun and then back at his wife with passion filled in his eyes as well as immense desire and this was something evident to both women as they knew him so well

'I better go kiss the kids good night. Thanks for the dinner...'' Said Raman as he left them both there and walked upstairs to his kids

Shagun just smiled in a very fake way and watched him as he walked away

Ishita bit her lower lip after which she slowly run her thumb on her lower lip as she came forward to where Shagun was standing

'You may have all the buttons Shagun, but I know what tune to play and when to play it...'' Said Ishita

But Shagun just stood there mostly because she was embarrassed but also because she was pissed off about the fact that Ishita had won

'Thank you so much for the amazing dinner, I had a wonderful time and please, do have a splendid night.'' Said Ishita as she walked over to Raman's waiting arms who was coming back from upstairs

Ishita knew this entire facade Shagun had planned in the name of a dinner party was just to show off and maybe win over Raman so as soon as she walked to that house she had a plan. Ishita had to put her in her place and teach her that you never go for a battle you have already lost because the one where Raman was concerned, she won it the day she became Ishima,

Shagun watched as Ishita walked away with everything that was meant to be hers Raman holding her waist as they walked hand in hand moving out of Shagun's house and this broke her heart causing her eyes to swell up with tears.

She had been embarrassed, humiliated, shocked and completely shattered by Raman's behavior in front of her and it also gave her the realization, a realization that she knew Ishita understood all along, that the war Shagun had been trying to wage all along was won the minute Ishita walked into Raman's life and this, THIS WAS A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW.

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