*~Fate Always Has Its Own Games- Writing Challenge~* Writers Invited

Originally posted by: AllezJustine

This is a different kind of writing; let's say it's more of a group effort. The idea is for someone to start the story, and then someone else will continue from where the first person left off. Then a third person, a forth, a fifth ...etc

I hope the Idea is clear... I use to do this sort of thing with my brother and it was fun we wrote a story together although we never finished, but hey it was fun.

So all the forum writers are invited pm me and I shall post the names of the participants in order in the next post. I don't want to start so who ever pm me the first will start the story.

We shall also try to chose a tile for this Fan Fiction..

Originally posted by: sakshi.ekansh

Part 5

A Mother's Plight

The word "Papa" from Ruhi's mouth brought her back to reality. Her daughter has for the first time uttered the word "Papa". Yes She was her daughter.. From the moment she held her first in her arms she had became hers completely. (She held sleeping Ruhi tighter)

But all of a sudden a single word has created havoc in her life. Her life, which revolves around her daughter is now seems to be in danger. Was it a dream that's going to shatter soon? Was she living in a fantasy world? Is she destined to be alone? Was happiness not meant for her long? She cant let that happen to her life again..

Ishita:- (ST) No... Not at all... Ruhi is my daughter... No one has the right to snatch her away from me.. My life resides in her and how will my daughter manage without me. She is a kid. She needs her mom. And I am her mom. Her Ishima. I can't let her go away easily. If I'll have to fight I'll fight for her. This time murugan cant test me.

She looked at her and a tear drop made its way down through her cheeks. She kissed her forehead. Looking at her sleeping daughter she drowned into a pool of memories.

*Flashback*

It was her first day at play school. She had just returned with swollen eyes and has clutched Ishita's neck tightly. She was the kid with few words. All she spoke was her requirements like "Mammam" for water "Bhukkiii" is she was hungry etc etc.. Ishita was first scared to send her to school but her age was signifying something else. She had to put a heavy rock on her heart and send her to school... She tried to speak to her but she wasn't leaving her neck at all..

Ishita:- Rooh baby.. Kya hua mera baccha?? Aapko schoolie pasand ni aaya kya baby?? Wahan pe kitne saare roo k frnds honge... aapko koi frnd ni mila baby..

But she was silent... Amma came to her and said

Amma- Ishita.. usko khaana khila do.. abhi kucch mat puccho who scared lag rai hai..

Ishita:- Ok Amma.. Aap ruko iske paas mai khaana laati hoon..

She tried to move away from her but she wasn't allowing her to move.

Ishita:- Rooh bacha mamma ne aapke liye aapke favourite pancackes banaye hain.. Let me go baba.. warna mera baccha yummy yummy khana kaise khayega..

Amma:- Ishita.. suno

But both of them were silent by a word from her mouth..

Ruhi:- Ishimaaa...

Ishita couldn't believe her ears.. Bala jiju always use to make fun of her as everyone calls her Ishita and Ruhi will start calling her the same but the word that came out of her mouth made her complete.. it consisted of her name and her relation as well... "ISHIMA".. That gave her the feeling of completeness.. the first time her daughter called her "Ma"...

She cupped her face and asked...

Ishita:- Kya bola mere baby ne?? baby dubara bolna.. Speak up baby..

Ruhi was excited seeing her mother happy as well as close to her. She felt it was the best way to keep her closer so she uttered again..

Ruhi:- Ishimaaa...

She took her in her arms again and hugged her tight..

*Flashback Ends*

Tears weren't finding any reason to stop.. Neither that day nor even today.. The feeling of being a mother to such an adorable daughter was a bliss to her.. She wasn't bothered about the world when her fingers were entwined by her daughter's little fingers..

But...

This three letter word "but" could change her life the other way round... The cyclone of unanswered questions had filled her brain

What if the person, so called PAPA of Ruhi finds them??

So what Ruhi has right to go to her real parents..

But what is her fault to bear the punishment in all this matter??

But she can't snatch her away from her real parents...

What about Ruhi?? Would she be happy with her real parents??

What if she chooses to be with her father?? Would she still be able to fight for her??

But Ruhi loves her right??

But she after parting from her father for a year still remembers him.. She loves him too..

So what.. He wasn't there for her for an year and now he cant just take away her daughter just like that..

But he has a right to do that?? Socially as well as Legally..

But a mother's heart is away from all these laws and legislatures.. What about a mother's plight...

This is a cruel world ishita.. People wont understand your feelings.. They would just see that he is Ruhi's biological father and Ruhi should stay with him..

She shouted..

Ishita:- Hell No.. Aise kaise meri beti ko mujhse hi door le jaayenge.. I wont let that happen.. Legal rights my foot.. Ruhi meri beti hai.. sirf meri beti.. This time I wont sit idly and let my fate decide my future.. rather i'll decide my fate.. Dont i deserve to be happy murugan??

Her voice woke Ruhi up.. She dint realize it but suddenly she felt a cold hand on the burning skin of her cheek.. She looked at her daughter wiping her tears away..

Ruhi:- I am sorry Ishima.. plz don't cry.. I promise mai aapki sab baat maanungi.. aur aapko chhodke kabhi nahi jaaungi.. Ishima promise...Plz aap rona mat..

Her eyes welled up with new tears but this time tears of content.. The words from her daughter were like a cold shower on her burning heart... Now she was ready.. ready to face the fate.. ready to fight for her rights. Ready to face the man whom Ruhi called her "Papa".. Least she knew the river fate had its own plans and she would have to flow according to it to meet her ocean...

On the other hand Raman was trying hard to locate the place where he saw Ruhi in picture..

Raman was in the mall for a meeting with the detective he has hired and Ishita was there to buy her daughter a present for the day when she'll return from the school.. Both of them were passing a toy shop where a cute teddy bear caught their attention..

Ishra:- "Pink" Her favourite color...

Raman still remember the glow his daughter use to have when she was given something in pink.. She use to love everything in pink.. Her clothes... her shoes.. her milk bottle.. her toys.. he smiled..

Raman:- (ST) Papa will find you soon baby.. And then will give you all the happiness.. Bas ek baar papa ko mil jaao...

He went towards the teddy...

Ishita remembered the smile on the face of ruhi when she saw the pink color teddy in the hand of a little girl in their neighborhood.. She thought it would be a best gift to rejoice the mood of her daughter who was still upset after the airport incident..

She went towards the teddy...

Both of them kept their hand on the teddy at the same time...

Ishita:- I am sorry.. Wo Actually..

Raman:- (cutting her in mid) Yeah you should be.. This is what I am going to purchase..

She fumed in anger.. She was trying to be humble and he is showing her attitude.. How dare he??

Ishita:- Excuse me Mr. Whatever.. this is for my daughter.. I am only going to purchase it..

Raman:- Go get something else Miss Whatever.. Once I've kept my hand on something , it becomes mine..

Ishita:- then go and keep your hand on the brain you've locked up somewhere.. May be you get some senses... Or get some moral value books.. Hope you would learn some manners..

Raman:- Why don't you try to save your money and purchase a pair of brains for yourself.. you need it urgently mind my words..

Ishita:- Whatever.. I'll only purchase it..

Raman:- Do whatever you can I am going to purchase it..

Meanwhile the shopkeeper was trying hard to interrupt as he wanted to tell them that there was another same piece available so both of them could get one.. But they weren't stopping their argument..

Shopkeeper:- Sir/ Maam.. Plz stop fighting.. I've another same piece so both of you can purchase one for your respective daughters..

Raman:- I don't need it if she is having one.. give it to her only.. I want exclusive things for my daughter..

Ishita:- Even I don't need it if he likes it.. I love doing charity.. give it to him only..

They both looked into each others eyes fuming and then turned away leaving a flabbergasted shopkeeper watching them walking in two opposite directions...

Ishita sat in her car thinking about the incident that just happened..

Ishita:- Hua kya tha tujhe Ishita?? You never lose your cool.. Fir b aise public place me ladayi ki.. But That Man... he was getting on my nerves...

On the other hand raman enetered his car thinking about the same..

Raman:- How dare she.. kitni arrogant thi ?? Shakal se sharafat tapak rahi thi aur muh se aag ugal rahi thi.. That woman.. She was getting on my nerves..

Ishita:- I hope I never see him again in my life...

Raman:- I don't know why but I've seen her somewhere..

And they drove off...

I really hope have met up a fraction of your expectations.. Just wanted ishra to meet before Ruhi meets Raman as wanted them to know the love they both have for Ruhi.. And Ishra nok Jhok is my all time favourite so couldn't stop adding it here... I really hope it was worth it.. coz the writers before me have done a magnificent job.. I was hell nervous..

Originally posted by: nividances

*English translations in blue.*

Part 6: Thandi Baarish, Teekhi Takraar

"Lagta hai aaj ka din hi kharab hai." ["It looks like today is just a bad day."]

Raman carefully steered the car on to the side of the road just as it sputtering to a halting stop, small tufts of smoke emerging from the engine. Kicking the tire of the dead car out of frustration, he pulled his phone out of his pocket.

"Pehle voh arrogant paagal se takraaya aur ab yeh gaadi kharaab ho gayi," he muttered as he dialed the number for a mechanic. ["First I ran into the arrogant woman and now this car is broken."]

As Raman was waiting for the mechanic to arrive, Mr. Iyer drove past Raman and his stranded car. He stopped a few meters ahead and got out of his car to help the young man.

"Beta, kya hua? Gaadi kharaab ho gayi? Do you need any help?"["What happened? Did your car break down? Do you need help?"]

Raman looked up from his phone screen.

"Uh haan uncle, voh meri gaadi bandh pad gayi. I have a mechanic on the way though, so I should be fine. Thanks for the offer though." ["Yeah uncle, my car broke down. I have a mechanic on the way though, so I should be fine. Thanks for the offer though."]

"Arre beta, dekho mausam kharaab hota ja raha hai. Lagta hai baarish aayegi. Let the mechanic tow your car to the garage, in the mean time I can drop you home." ["It looks like the weather is getting pretty bad. It seems like it's about to rain. Let the mechanic tow your car to the garage, in the mean time I can drop you home."]

Mr. Iyer himself didn't know why he was insisting to help this stranger so much, but something had just called out from within him when he saw the young man stranded on the side of the road. Raman was taken aback by the persistence of the old man in front of him, but one quick look at the dark, rumbling sky indeed confirmed that it was about to pour any moment. Raman nodded and the two men made their way to Mr. Iyer's car.

"Where do you have to go beta?"

"Akash Ganga Complex, Mayur Vihar uncle."

"Really? I also live there! What a coincidence? Your name?"

"Raman. Raman Bhalla."

"Raman Bhalla? Omprakash Bhalla's son?"

Raman looked at the helpful stranger with surprise. "Yes, do you know him?"

Mr. Iyer laughed heartily at the coincidence. "Do I know him? Of course I do. We've been friends for over 40 years! You remember me Raman? Viswanathan Iyer? Viswa uncle?"

Raman tried to recall, but his memory failed him and he shook his head. "No, I'm afraid I don't."

Mr. Iyer shrugged in a friendly manner. "It's understandable. You must have been just 3 or 4 when your family moved away. Your mother and my wife never got along too well, but your father and I have known each other since our college days. Anyways, my family and I just moved to Delhi quite recently. You can imagine the surprise when I found my old college friend living next door to me after so many years."

The rest of the journey home was spent with Mr. Iyer reminiscing his old college times with Mr. Bhalla, while Raman half-heartedly listened, staring out the window deep in thought about Ruhi.

"Okay Raman, here we are. You head on home beta, I've got some work to do at a nearby bank so I'll just go finish that up. You tell your dad that we all need to meet up for dinner sometime soon. Chalo, I'll see you later. Bye Raman."

Raman waved as Mr. Iyer drove off. He began to make his way towards the entrance of the building when he felt rain drops beginning to fall. In a matter of moments, the drizzle became a downpour, drenching Raman completely. He stood rooted in his spot, as he remembered the last few moments that he had spent with Ruhi before she had gone missing.

-----------------

"Papa! Papa!"

A little Ruhi jumped and danced, as she enjoyed the coolness of the monsoon's first rain. She called out to her favorite person in the world, using her limited vocabulary.

"Papa! Rish! Rish! Papa! Rish!"

Raman smiled widely as he stepped outside onto the street and swung his daughter up into his arms.

"Yes Ruhi, baarish! Tumhe pasand hai na baarish mein gila hona?" ["Yes Ruhi, rain. You like to play in the rain, right?"]

The little girl shrieked with laughter as she was thrown up into the air and caught safely by her father. Snuggled safely into her father's arms, Ruhi placed a wet kiss onto her father's cheek, as he hugged her tightly against his body. He proceeded to throw her into the air again, causing her to scream with laughter and giggle with happiness.

----------------

The picture of a laughing Ruhi was etched into Raman's brain permanently, but what he wouldn't give to see that laughter on Ruhi's face in reality; he would give up anything and everything he had just to get his daughter back. He felt the warm tears trickle down his cheeks, camouflaged by the raindrops that were also racing down his face. He shivered as the unseasonal Delhi rain chilled his bones. He ran towards the building to seek shelter from the rain, when a child's shrill laughter stopped him in his tracks. Turning around to face the source of the sound, Raman became confused as he saw a group of children gathered in a circle in front of the building, enjoying the rain. The collective laughter of the children rang out and Raman shook his head dejectedly, as he turned back towards the building and walked in.

"I could have sworn that I heard Ruhi's laugh. But all those kids are way too big to be playing with Ruhi. I guess I'm just hearing things now."

The circle of children parted and Ruhi ran out of the center of the circle to look up and wave to her Ishima, who waved back to the little girl as she sipped her coffee and watched the children from the balcony. Ishita smiled brightly at seeing Ruhi playing so happily downstairs, but her smile faded when she remembered how Ruhi had uttered papa' the night before. Even though Ruhi had promised to never leave her, the fear of Ruhi's biological parents returning and taking her away plagued Ishita's mind.

A soft touch on her shoulder brought Ishita out of her thoughts.

"Amma? What happened? I was just..."

Ishita looked away from her mother to quickly wipe her tears and plastered a fake smile onto her face.

"Ishu? You're still thinking about what Ruhi said yesterday right? Tum chinta mat karo Ishu, Ruhi ne promise kiya na tumse ki voh tumhe chod kar nahin jayegi. Chalo, ab iss baare mein sochna bandh karo aur jaake Ruhi ko lekar aao. She will get sick if she stays out in the rain too long." ["Ishu? You're still thinking about what Ruhi said yesterday right? Stop worrying about it Ishu, Ruhi promised you that she would never leave you. Come on now, stop thinking about all this and go pick Ruhi up. She will get sick if she stays out in the rain too long."]

Ishu nodded softly, as she exited the balcony and walked out of the house. She shut the door behind her and pressed the button for the elevator. She walked into the elevator as soon as the doors opened, not realizing that Raman was walking out at the same time.

Ishita lost her balance when they bumped into each other and grabbed onto Raman's shoulder for support. Her hair covered her face, preventing Raman from seeing who she was.

"I'm so sorry. I should have looked where I was going," Raman began apologizing.

Ishita stood up and pushed the hair back from her face. She immediately became outraged when she saw who she had bumped into.

"Tum! Tum mera peecha kar rahe ho! How dare you?" ["You! You're following me! How dare you?"]

"Oh hello! Main tumhara peecha kyun karne laga? Mujhe kisi paagal kutte ne kata hai jo main aisi bewakoofi karoonga? Aur haan, voh jo sorry maine abhi kaha tha na, voh main vaapis leta hoon. Galti tumhari thi toh main sorry kyun boloon? Tum sorry bolo." ["Oh hello! Why would I follow you? Did a mad dog bite me that I would do such a dumb thing? And yeah, that sorry that I just said, I take it back. It was your fault so why should I say sorry? You apologize."]

Ishita's eyes opened wide with anger. "Main? Aur voh bhi tumse sorry boloon? No ways! Now get out of my way, I have to go pick up my daughter." ["Me? I apologize to you? No ways! Now get out of my way, I have to go pick up my daughter."]

"Tum jaisi paagal se toh sorry vaise bhi expect nahin kar raha tha main. Bechari bachi, kaisi paagal maa mili hai usse?" ["I wasn't expecting a sorry from you anyways. Poor child, what kind of a mental woman has she gotten as her mother?"]

With a smirk Raman walked away, leaving a fuming Ishita, who angrily stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the ground floor.

"Samajhta kya hai apne aapko? Sorry kehkar bhi koi vaapis leta hai kya? Stupid! Idiot! Aur mujhe paagal kehta hai! I knew I should have taken the stairs. At least I wouldn't have had to see his face. Par vaise, voh yahaan kya kar raha tha? Kahin voh isi building mein toh nahi rehta hai? Voh bhi humare floor pe? Ayyo murugan, I hope he's not moving into one of those two flats that have just recently come up for sale. Having him as a neighbor would just be the worst news of the century!" ["What does he think of himself? Who says sorry and then takes it back? Stupid! Idiot! And he calls me mental! I knew I should have taken the stairs! At least I wouldn't have had to see his face. But what was he doing here? Does he live in this building? That too on the same floor as me? Oh God, I hope he's not moving into one of those two flats that have just recently come up for sale. Having him as a neighbor would just be the worst news of the century!"]

Meanwhile, Raman walked away from Ishita and rang the doorbell of his house.

"Aaj ka din toh kharaab se aur kharaab hota ja raha hai. Lagta hai yeh paagal aurat padosan hai humari. Papa ko bhi yahi ghar mila tha kharidne ke liye?" ["Today's day is just going from bad to worst. Looks like that mental woman is our neighbor. Did papa only find this house to buy?"]

The door was opened by his mother, who welcomed her son with open arms and a big smile.

"Aaja puttar. Tu jaakar fresh hoja aur kapde badal le, main tere liye chai aur pakore bana rahi hoon." ["Come in son. Go freshen up and change your clothes, I'm making tea and fritters for you."]

-------------------

Ishita quickly picked up Ruhi and came back upstairs. Just as she unlocked and opened the door to her house, the Bhalla's door opened and Toshi ji walked out. Ishita turned around, leaving Ruhi hidden behind her.

"Arre tu Ishita hai na?" [You're Ishita right?"]

"Ji aunty. Aapko kuch chahiye?" ["Yes aunty. Did you need anything?"]

"Haan puttar, voh ghar mein cheeni khatam hogayi hai. Can you please give me some? Mere bete ko chai aur pakore khaana pasand hai baarish mein, toh mujhe chai ke liye thodi cheeni chahiye." ["Yeah, I've run out of sugar at my house. Can you please give me some? My son likes to eat tea and fritters when it rains, so I need some sugar for the tea."]

Ishita smiled understandingly and nodded. "Ji aunty, main abhi laati hoon." ["Sure aunty, I'll just get it for you."]

She turned back towards her own house to find that Ruhi had already run inside and was playing with Muthu behind the sofa, leaving her hidden from Toshi's eyes. Ishita quickly collected some sugar into a bowl and handed it off to Toshi.

"Thank you beta. Acha tu vi aaja humare ghar chai pakore khane. Teri ma ko vi bulaale. Aakhir madrasan toh ab tak bhul hi gayi hogi mere haath ka swad." ["Thank you. You should also come over to eat some tea and fritters. Call your mother too. After all, she must have forgotten the delicious taste of my food after so many years."]

"Aaj nahi aunty, phir kabhi. Voh actually my daughter was just playing in the rain downstairs so I need to give her a warm bath so she doesn't get sick." ["Not today aunty, maybe some other time. Actually my daughter was just playing in the rain downstairs so I need to give her a warm bath so she doesn't get sick."]

"Hmmm, thik hai. Jaa tu apni beti nu sambhal." ["Hmmm, okay. Go and take care of your daughter."]

Toshi ji nodded slightly, the smile disappearing from her face, as she remembered that her granddaughter Ruhi too had liked to play in the rain.

-----------------

Hope you liked it. I tried my best to make it interesting so I thought it would be nice to prolong the meeting of Raman and Ruhi a little bit more. As of now, Raman knows that Ishita is his neighbor but he doesn't know that she is Mr. Iyer's daughter. Meanwhile, Ishita too has doubts that Raman is unfortunately her new neighbor, but she doesn't know that he is Mr. Bhalla's son. Next person can decide to continue with these hit-and-miss meetings of Ruhi and Raman or decide to finally unite the father and daughter.

😊 Nivi

Originally posted by: desire_nikki

Okay Guys...Finally updating..!! I am so sorry for tha late update...I was posting it in afternoon only..but due to some net issue my part just got deleted...I can only now manage to write this piece...I don't know to what extent it made sense to you...But trust me...I have written it in only 1 hour...and to be frank it's not upto my expectation...as it have turned out to be something which i hadn't expected..!! So if you didn't liked it at first place...I won't feel bad..!! I am so sorry Aruna di and Ankita di...may be i hadn't kept the same level of this OS...which u both had expected from me...!! 😭

Part 9

"Papa Loves Ruhi...But Ruhi Loves Ishima..."

Next morning everyone was busy in their daily chorus whereas Raman and Ruhi were having their breakfast. Throughout the morning Raman was not leaving Ruhi even for a minute. He knew that something was still bothering her. He assumed it to be the sudden change of events...But he was still to be known to the reality...

He was deeply engrossed in his thoughts thinking hard about last few days when suddenly his phone buzzed bringing him back. He got up and instructs Ruhi to finish her breakfast and made his way towards his room. Once entering in his room he closed the door and received the call.

"Hello...Kaam ho gaya na...I want her behind the bars again as soon as possible...Do you get that..!." Raman uttered on the phone in one breath.

"Bhai...Wo actually...aapko yehi batana tha...ki Ishita ji ko permanent bail mill gayi hai...Aur unn par se saare charges bhi hatt gaye hai..." Pathak, his lawyer, replied from other side.

His anger rose up hearing about Ishita's freedom and he shouted "What the hell Pathak...yeh sab kaise huya...maine pehle bhi tujhe kaha tha...Uss Ishita Iyer ko bail kisi halat mein nahi milni chahiye ...Usne meri beti ko mujhse ek saal tak alag rakha hai...I won't spare her at any cost... ... "

"Bhai...meri baat toh suniye wo kisi ne..." Before even he can complete Raman interrupted him and said angrily "...Pathak kuch bhi kar...I want her behind the bars again..."

"Bhai please meri baat suniye... Ab hamare haath mein kuch nahi hai...Ishita Iyer ko innocent prove kar diya hai court ne..."

"Yeh sab kaise huya ...Sirf isliye because she was suffering from some mental trauma...sab bakwaas hai...she is just faking..." Raman said

"nahi bhai...Main abhi bhi police station mein hee hu...Wo mujhe bol rahe hai ki unki family ne proofs submit karwaye hai..aur unko bail mill gayi..."

" Ek kaam dhang se nahi hota tum logo se" With that he disconnected the call and stormed out of his room. He was about to leave house when Toshiji stopped him and asked with concern "Raman..Ki Huya Puttar...Abi toh tu thik tha...phir itna gussa kis baat pe hai...Kiska Phone aaya tha..."

Raman sighed and narrated his conversation with his lawyer. Everyone was shocked when Mr.Bhalla enquired "Lekin Puttar...Iss case mein toh bail nahi milna chahiye...phir kaise Ishita ko chodh sakte hai..."

"Yehi toh mere bhi samajh nahi aa raha hai papa...Bina kisi proof ke usko bail mill hee nahi sakti...par kuch bhi ho...mai Ishita ko itni asaani se nahi jaane dunga..."Raman said while sitting on the sofa and thinking hard about the matter when they heard the sound of their door bell.

Romi got up and opened the door. There was standing a man probably in his mid-thirties and was asking for Raman. Without any second thoughts Romi welcomed him inside and offered him the seat while he asked looking towards Raman "Raman Bhalla..."

"Yes...But you.." Raman asked him but left his sentence in mid to let him complete.

"Umm..Hello...I am ACP Bala Chandran from chennai..." He introduced himself while everyone was confused with his sudden visit.

"Actually..i know mujhe yaha aise nahi aana chahiye tha...But mai aapse Ruhi ke case ke baare mein baat karne aaya tha..." As soon as he completed his sentence Raman stood up and asked Romi to take Ruhi inside.

While going into room Ruhi smiled at Bala while he returned it well. This was not gone unnoticed by Raman. His anger grew but not wanting to worsen the situation he said calmly "Aap Ruhi ko kaise jante hai..." Raman asked again settling himself in front of him.

"...Ek saal pehle Humne kuch gundo ko pakda tha Chennai mein...unhee logo ke pas se hume Ruhi milli thi.." He said with a serious face.

"Chennai mein...Lekin hamari bachhi ko toh Ishita ne..." Toshiji interrupted but before she could complete Bala again said but this time with anger dripping in his voice "Kya aapke paas koi proof hai ki Ishita Iyer ne hee aapki beti ko kidnap kara...Bina proofs ke aap kisi pe bhi ilzaam kaise laga sakte hai.."

"Dekhiye MR.Bala...hamari bachhi unke ghar mein milli hai...itne time se mere hee ghar ke saamne meri bachhi reh rahi thi,...But these people never let us know about it...Mai pichle ek saal se pagalo ki tarah apni bachhi ko dhund raha hu..." Raman stood up and shouted in anger. By the time Mr. and Mrs. Iyer too reached there and were hearing the conversation standing at Bhalla's door.

Bala too stood up and said Please Mr. Bhalla.. Let me complete first...Mai yaha sirf aapki help karne aaya tha,...Jisse aap real kidnappers tak pouch sake...And sabse pehli baat...aap Ishita Iyer ko arrest kaise karwa sakte hai jabki aapke pas koi proofs hee nahi hai unke against..."

"Mere pas proof hai...usne meri beti ko ek saal tak apne paas rakha...Aur she have no legal documents as proof of keeping my daughter with her...And that is more than enough to prove what kind of person she is...She is just a Bloody kidnapper for us...jisne meri beti ko mujhse dhur kara..." Raman uttered

Bala couldn't take this more as he was trying to prove Ishita innocent but they were not listening to him so he blurted out everything in anger and said "Mr. Raman Bhalla...Agar aapko itni hee chinta hai apni beti ki..toh why didn't you tried even for once to find her...aapki beti Chennai mein milli hume...Unn gundo ke pas...They didn't told us anything about it...But we have understood that they have kidnapped her...Aur rahi baat Ishita Iyer ki...Toh she was just acting on my instructions..."

"What do you mean..." Raman asked confusingly while he continued and said "I have asked her to keep Ruhi with her till the time we can found about her whereabouts. Aur ab agar mujh par bhi aapko vishwas nahi hai...So here are the papers related to this case...'

Bala handed him the case papers and said "Yeh hai wo documents jismein clearly mentioned hai ki jab tak Ruhi ke parents nahi milte...till that time Ruhi will live with her and will be entirely Ishita's responsibility."

Everyone was shocked after knowing the reality but still couldn't believe it to be the truth so Mrs. Bhalla said "Yeh kaise ho sakta hai ...aur aap kyu aaye hai unki safaai dene..."

"Kyuki ..mai bhi unki family ka ek part hu...mere hee kehne par wo Ruhi ko rakhne k eliye ready huy the...And as far as I know...aap log bhi Iyer's ko bohot pehle se jante hai...aur phir bhi aap logo ne unn par shak kiya,...And Mr. Raman Bhalla...aapne ek baar bhi kisi par aisa ilzaam lagane se pehle nahi socha...Wo bhi uss insaan par jisne aapki beti ko apni beti ki tarah rakha...Wo chahti toh mana kar sakti thi...aur kisi orphanage mein de sakte the hum usse..."

"Bala..." Mr. Iyer called him while entering the house with his wife and continued "Bala...rehnedo..."

This time Mrs. Iyer spoke up "nahi vishwa...bohot sun liya humne...aur bohot suna liya inn logo ne... inhone ne...meri innocent beti par itta ganda ilzaam lagaya...aap jante kya hai Ishu ke bare mein..."

Mr. Iyer tried his best to stop her but she won't budge and continued "Haan..honge aap log Ruhi ki family...par ab Ruhi hamare family ka bhi ek part hai...beti hai wo meri Ishu ki...Meri Ishu ne Ek sagi maa se bhi jyada pyaar diya hai Ruhi ko...Aaj agar Ruhi aap sabke saamne hai...aur thik hai toh wo meri Ishu ki wajah se...aur aapne ussi par..."

This time Mr. Iyer stopped her and literally dragged her out of the house when Bala said "Dekhiye Mr. Bhalla...mai yaha sirf aapko sach bataane aaya tha...ismein Iyer's ki galti nahi hai...aur aapse request karne aaya tha...ki Ishita ko Ruhi ki jarurat hai...Ishita ki mental state bigadti ja rahi hai...aur wo sirf Ruhi ko bula rahi hai...Please...at least out of humanity ek baar Ruhi ko milne dijiye usse..."

After saying so Bala left from there while Mr.Bhalla was about to call Bala when Raman stopped him and angrily muttered "nahi...Mai nahi manta yeh sab...Meri beti uss aurat se nahi milegi..."

"lekin Raman.." Mrs. Bhalla tried something to say when he stopped her and said "nahi maa...Maine ek baar keh diya na...Ruhi usse nahi milegi..ab iss bare mein Ruhi ke saamne koi baat nahi karega..."

And he left from there angrily towards Ruhi's room. He sat near Ruhi on her bed and made her sit on his lap and hugged her tightly as if she would get separated in another minute. Ruhi too hugged him tightly and after some time she separated a little and saw tears flowing down from his eyes.

She got tensed and asked "papa...aap ro kyu rahe ho..aapko kisi ne data kya..."

He smiled listening to her childish talks and said "Meri Rooh jab tak mere saath hai...kiski himmat jo Papa ko daate..."

"Toh phir aap ro kyu rahe ho..." She asked with concern and wiped his tears with her small hands.

He held both of her hands and kissed them. Then he said "Ruhi...Please Papa ko ek promise karo...ki aap papa se kabhi dhur nahi jaoge...chahe kuch bhi ho jaye..papa ko akele nahi chodoge na..."

"Mai aapko kabhi chod ke nahi jaaungi...Ruhi Promise..." She smiled showing her teeth and hugged him while he too reciprocated the hug. After sometime both got separated when Raman's eyes caught something. He picked Ruhi's drawing book and said "Rooh...yeh aapne banaya hai...aap toh bohot achhi drawing karne lage ho..."

"Haan papa...mai aur Ishima roz drawing karte the saath mein..." She said while smiling. Raman noticed the spark on her face. He noted whenever Ruhi talks about that lady her eyes twinkled with infinite happiness...

"Aur aapko pta hai Papa...Ishima roz mujhe aapki tarah sone se pehle stories bhi sunati thi...Aur Ishima..." She continued telling about her Ishima where as Raman landed in his own thoughts listening to his daughter's talks...probably which starts with her Ishima...and with her Ishima..

Somewhere he knew that Ishita was innocent...but he is not ready to accept it anyway...He love Ruhi more than his life...and at any cost he will not share her with anyone...neither with that lady who too loved her nor he was ready to accept that. He tried to divert her mind with Ishita's talks and asked "Achha Ruhi...aapki drawing toh bohot hee beautiful hai..ab btao toh aapne banaya kya hai..."

She gave a toothy smile to him to whom he chuckled, while she said "Dekho...Yeh ho aap Papa..." She then again pointed to another sketch near the previous one and said "Yeh hai aapki Ruhi...matlab mai..." She then moved to third sketch and said "Aur Yeh hai.,." She suddenly stopped to which he looked at her in confusion and asked "Kaun hai yeh Ruhi..."

She looked at him and with a little voice she uttered "Ruhi ki Ishimaa..."

Raman became numb hearing her. He didn't expect this answer from her. Probably he has understood one thing...That now he is not alone important in her life...He knew...Ruhi is his life...But now Ruhi's life revolves around her Ishima...

He stood up when Ruhi called him again "Papa..."

Without turning around she said "Papa...maine aapko promise kiya hai...ki mai kabhi aapse dhur nahi jaungi...Par..Papa I miss Ishima a lot...Kya mai unse ek baar mil sakti hu,..."

Raman closed her eyes as he heard her saying. He didn't wanted to let that Ishita snatch her away from him...he decided to find some other way to handle this situation and to let her understand. He turned around and while kissing Ruhi on her cheeks he said.. "Thik hai Ruhi...Tum apni ishima se milne ja sakti ho...Okay...but sirf thodi der..."

Ruhi nodded and said "Papa...Agar mai Ishima ke pas gayi toh aap mujhe chod ke toh nahi chale jaoge na...pehle ki tarah..."

Raman looked at her with all the love in his eyes. He smiled and said "Ruhi...abhi jaise Rooh ne Papa ko promise kiya...ki wo kabhi unhe chodke nahi jayegi..Waise he Papa bhi promise karte hai...ki papa apni rooh ko apne se dhur nahi hone denge..." He said and also continued "Achha chalo...aisa karte hai Ruhi ke saath uske papa bhi Ishima ke pas chalenge...Thik hai..."

She got excited and kissed him on both of his cheeks while she ran away to tell her daadi and daadu that she is going to meet her Ishima. Raman sat there still in his thoughts and muttered "Chahe kuch bhi ho...Koi bhi sach mujhse meri Ruhi dhur nahi kar sakta...uski Ishima bhi nahi..."

In evening Raman and Ruhi entered Iyer's house. Everyone was shocked seeing Raman with her but didn't utter a word. They head towards Ishita's room. Raman stood at the door as Ruhi walked to her ishima. She saw her pale face and sat down on the bed which she holds her one land and said "Ishima..."

note- not proof read..!!

Criticisms are accepted..!! Sorry if it was not on your expectations..!!

P.s. i actuallt forgot to mention one more thing..!! With this post I have turned into an IF- Dazzler..!! Yippee...!! 🥳

Nikki...

Originally posted by: sakshi.ekansh

Part 16

Dark Past and a Bright Future...

He was taking her holding her arm tightly as if would take her away from all the pains and hurt she had just suffered or suffered ever. Her lost self has told him that she was hurt. As if a broken mirror from her past has pierced her heart. As if she has seen something she never wants to see.. She was walking with him holding one of her arm from his one hand and one of Ruhi's palm with another. she was physically there but mentally had landed into her own life few days back..

*Flashback*

Laughter, music, gossips , hustle bustle was the sound of the day.. Iyers were running from here and there to check on the arrangements and Chandrans were observing each and every arrangement keenly.. Today was the day of marriage of their daughter Ishu.. The day all of them had dream of.. The day when her life was getting complete . She was going to merge her life with another person. She was going to step into another phase of her life..

Yes She knew she can never become a mother herself but she was going to become a wife of the person with whom she had already imagined her whole life. When she had told her life's biggest truth to Subbu when he proposed, she expected a heartbreak but indeed she got a support in return. The man said he cant lose her anyhow.. She kept a condition that she would marry him only if his whole family would be aware of the truth that she would never be able to conceive.. He said he has told everyone and everyone agreed.. She was shocked yet happy.

At the time of gatbandhan she thought to thank her mother-in-law for being so understanding.

She went to Mrs chandran and said

Ishita:- Amma.. I am very thankful to you.. Knowing my problem you have accepted me whole heartedly.. People like you are less these days.. I am really lucky to have a mother-in-law like you...

Mrs Candran:- Problem? Which problem are you talking about?

Ishita was taken aback first but later realized she was living in a misconception of her in laws knowing the truth about her..

She immediately called Subbu there..

Ishita:- Subbu.. Have you told Amma the truth of my medical conditions or not..

Subbu:- Ishu it is not the right time to talk about these things.. We are about to get married...

Ishita:- tell me the truth.. have you told the truth?

Mrs Chandran:- Whats all happening here?? Would someone tell me?

Ishita:- Amma.. Looking at the situation I understood you are in dark.. I would never want this relation to start on a lie.. The truth rather the bitter most truth of my life is..

She gulped down her saliva to speak the truth.. It wasn't easy for her to remember it again and again..

Ishita:- It is that I can never be a mother..

Silence was all around.. Subbu was looking guilty and Mrs. Chandran was dumbfounded. Ishita was sobbing and everybody else were just staring at them..

Ishita:- Its now up to you Amma.. You want to accept the relation or not..

Mrs Chandran:- Don't you dare to call me Amma.. I am not Amma for you.. You barren sin..

Mr. Iyer:- Mind your language Mrs Chandran..

Mrs. Chandran:- You mind your tongue.. You are a very witty person.. You were handing over your good for nothing daughter to us without even letting us know..

Mr. Iyer:- Subbu knew about it.. Ask him..

Mrs. Chandran:- I don't need to ask anything.. All I know is I don't want this girl to be near to my son in any of his life.. I want my family to get extended not just finished up with the social service for this girl..

Subbu:- I told you to stop Ishu.. You yourself broke our marriage...

Ishita:- Broke?? If you want to get married to me you would never have kept all this as a secret..

Subbu:- I knew Amma would never agree to this.. That's why I kept a secret.. but you never listen to me.. Now stay unmarried for life long..

Ishita:- excuse me.. what?? Lifelong.. You mean if you wouldn't marry me no other guy would marry me??

Subbu:- we were together for more than 12 years Ishu and that's why I thought to get married to you.. Otherwise would never marry a girl who cant conceive.. Am I looking stupid to you??

Ishita:- Mr. Subbramaniam Chandran... Mind you.. You were not doing charity on me.. So don't you dare to put the blame on me..

Subbu:- Its your ego which would keep you unmarried for lifelong..

Mrs. Iyer:- Just shutup.. I promise today.. I will find another much better match for my Ishu.. You would regret your decision one day..

Subbu:- Which guy would not want to be a father? I was stupid as was going to marry her for the sake of the friendship we shared.. Everyone else isn't a stupid..

Ishita:- Enough... You have shown your real face today Mr. Chandran...I myself don't want to marry a guy who doesn't respect me... Will you please leave now..

Mrs Chandran:- Khot khudme hai aur ilzaam mere bte par.. mai bhi dekhti hoo iski shaadi kaise hoti hai??

They were left there with the sounds of laughter turning into the sounds of whispers.. She was broken. Her trust was broken. And a life was still there for her to bear rest of the pain..

*Flashback Ends*

When they have reached the parking lot and he shook her she came back to reality from the past memories..

Raman:- Ishita... Kaun thi woh Aurat?? Tumhe pareshan kyu kar rahi thi.. Kahan khoyi ho ishita??

(Who was that woman and was she troubling you?? Where are you lost??)

She was still silent and her tears speaking that she is going through a tough time.. He thought to leave her alone for sometime.. He left her sitting on a bench and left with Ruhi to give her some alone time.. He knew it wasn't easy for her to share her pains with him as she might not be comfortable doing so.. or he isn't lucky enough to create a level of comfort between them..

She was sitting in the park and recalling his words..

"She is my fiance.."

Why had he said that? It could create problem.. In her life.. in his life and in their daughter's life.. What if he was serious? What if he wants her to be his? And what if he comes to know about her reality and leave her.. Like the first one had left.. And what if he would accept her and his family wont?

She could not bear another heart break...

Heart break??? When did her heart got involved with him?? She was getting confused... She again drowned into a pool of thoughts..

He was going to get chocolates for Ruhi when he was stopped by the same woman and a man alongside.. He looked at them and held Ruhi tighter..

Mrs. Chandran:- I know you are not interested to listen to us but let me ask you one thing.. Has Ishita told you about her medical conditions?

Raman:- Medical conditions??

Mrs. Chandran:- See I told you.. The girl is a bloody ditcher..

Raman:- Mind your language before I forget my manners..

Mrs. Chandran:- The girl you are going t marry is ditching you.. you are probably marrying her to get a son but she cant conceive.. its her truth.. and I know you would never want a barren girl in your life..

It took him two minutes to fully understand the meaning of her words... His silence gave her opportunity to speak further..

Mrs. Chandran:- I knew you would be shocked.. She did the same with my son.. I had fortunately come to know about her on the day of marriage. It was murugan's grace.. I rejected her right then.. how can someone marry his son to a woman who cant extend their family? She can never be a mother.. She is good for nothing thing..

Raman:- (shouted) First of all.. She is an human.. An breathing human not a commodity.. So better you mind your words.. and second what did you say? She can never be a mother... She is already a doting mother for my daughter.. She is a best mother one could ever have.. My daughter is not even her blood and yet she has given her life to her. But why am I explaining thngs to you.. Your words seems you are an orthodox.. You think I am marrying her coz I want a son from her.. It would happen in your family.. We marry girls to give them happiness and take love in return.. We are dependent on girls.. For us girls are the pillars of family not any wheat sack kept aside.. I am marrying her coz I truly want to.. and dare you say a word against MY ISHITA... you can leave..

Mrs Chandran:- ye sab kehne ki baat hoti hai.. Apne parivaar ko sach batake use shadi karke to dikhao..

Raman:- 5 days.. 5 days are there and I challenge you after 5 days I myself would come and give you our wedding card... And I mean it..

He left with Ruhi and Mrs Chandran stood there bemused..

He came and sat with her leaving Ruhi in crche making sure she is doing fine.. He kept his hand on her shoulder..

She instantly removed it.. He kept it again and received same reaction..

He held her shoulders and made her looked at him..

Raman:- Talk to me.. atleast now..

Ishita:- How dare you? How dare you to declare yourself as my fiance?? Did you ask me?

Raman:- I did ishita...

She lost words.. Yes he did asked her..

Ishita:- but I haven't replied..

Raman:- Do you think I would have waited for your reply at the time when someone is insulting you..

Ishita:- but that was not right..

Raman:- Whattt??

Ishita;- you even don't know the truth of my life.. how can I impose myself on you..

The words were enough for Raman to fall for her again.. She was pure.. She was honest..She could have easily hidden the truth but she did not..

She stated her side of the story.. he listened to her calmly.. it was important for her to unburden her pains.. When she finished he said

Raman:- I already know.. I met the lady and she told me..

Ishita looked at him in disbelief.. he knew her truth and still was there to console her.. was it his sympathy?

Raman:- I have told her another truth that now I want to tell you..

Ishita looked at him with her tears strained face and he held her close..

Raman:- I told them that you are already a mother to my daughter and that too the best mother of the world..

She started sobbing uncontrollably and he let her cry..

After few minutes she restrained herself and found the position she was in and was about to move when he said holding her back..

Raman:- but ek problem hai...

Ishita looked at him still in his arms..

Raman told her about the challenge he had taken and she was shocked..

Ishita:- But ye sab suddenly?? 5 days Raman and how?? Even I haven't thought for it..

Raman:- Thoughts are from brain but relations are from heart and your heart has accepted me.. Otherwise you would have never shared your pain with me..

He was right.. yes he was right.. There was no need to tell him her personal things but she did.. She has built a trust for him in her heart.. He has occupied a space next to Ruhi in her heart.. She smiled in return and he hugged her closer...

Raman:- remember one thing Ishita... For me you would always be the best mother my kid could ever have and a best wife I could ever think of... I don't want anything else my life.. Bolo.. kya dogi mera saath???

She smiled in return.. he has easily healed her pain and in return he wants her support.. She absent mindedly nodded and he smiled broad..

Raman:- now the movie of our life starts.. "Ye 5 din.". Waise madrasan.. koi idea hai ki hum in 5 dino me kaise patayenge sabko..

Ishita:- Hum nahi aap... I also want to look how well you do??

Raman:- Ek Punjabi ko challenge??

Ishita:- Hmm Ek Punjabi ko ek madrasan ka challenge.. But one thing.. Agar isse aapki ya Ruhi ki life me koi bhi problem aayegi to promise me you would stop this matter right there..

(if there is any kind of problem due to all this in your life promise me you would stop all this right there)

Raman:- meri itni parwaah aaye haaye mar jawaan..

(this much concern for me.. I cant believe that)

He teased her and saw her blushing..

Raman:- Waise problem to humari life me tab aayegi jab tum usme nahi hogi..

(problem would be when you would not be ther in our lives)

His words were enough for her to know he was serious about this relationship.. She has left everything on him and was waiting for her destiny to take a beautiful turn..

The three words to confirm love were yet to be spoken but the seed of a lifelong relationship has started to sprout..

Iyer House..

Phone rings..

Mrs Iyer:- Hello...

Mrs. Chandran:- So madhavi.. you got another prey for your daughter...

Mrs Iyer:- Yenna.. What are you talking about?

Mrs Chandran:- Your so called daughter is engaged and you did not tell anyone..

Mrs Iyer:- Engaged???

*************************************

I am so sorry people for the late update.. Had got sprain in my leg and these net issues i tell you.. I hope i did justice to it and is upto your expectations.. Gave a twist to it.. Looking forward how Nivi takes it forward.. Really sorry.. waiting for your reviews. Please press like and do comment..

Originally posted by: nividances

English translations are in blue.

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Part 17

Chennai Calling and Spilled Sugar

"Akka, please come na. Amma is quite unwell and she is asking only for you Akka."

"Ayyo Soumya! What happened so suddenly? I talked to Amma yesterday only and she was fine."

"She fell in the washroom this morning. There was some water on the floor and she didn't see so she slipped. Doctor said that it might be a broken hip that might have to be surgically replaced but he is still waiting for the x-ray results to come in. Ishu will handle the house Akka, you just come here."

"Okay Soumya. I will try to catch the train tonight itself if I can book the tickets, otherwise I will leave early tomorrow morning."

Madhavi rubbed her forehead with worry as she hung up the phone to end the second troubling call that she had received within the last hour. Glancing at the clock, she tried calling Ishita's cell phone for the fifth time, to disappointedly receive the same irritating message "This number is not available at this time. Please try again later."

"Where is she? They said they would be back by 7 but it's already past 9! Vishwa!"

Madhavi walked into the bedroom where her husband sat reading the newspaper and snatched it out of his hand. "Ayyo Vishwa! I'm so worried here and you are sitting enjoying the newspaper!"

Mr. Iyer looked at his wife and rolled his eyes a bit, as he was used to his wife overdramatizing even the smallest situations and getting worried for no reason. "What is it now Madhu? Why are you worried? Kabhi toh relax kar liya karo. Tumhari toh aadat hi bann gayi hai har baat par chinta karna. Let Ishita come home first and you can talk to her about it." ("What is it now Madhu? Why are you worried? Relax a bit. It's become habitual for you to worry over every little thing. Let Ishita come home first and you can talk to her about it.")

Before Madhavi could respond, the sound of the front door opening was heard and then a familiar voice high-pitched voice filled the air as Ruhi walked into the house screaming for her Paathi and Taatha.

"Paathi! Taatha! Where are you? I had so much fun with papa and Ishima today! We ate ice cream and went swimming and played on the playground and..."

Ruhi waltzed through the entire house singing out everything that she had done on the picnic that day. Mr. and Mrs. Iyer both walked out of the bedroom together to find Ruhi dancing around the living room and Ishita walking through the front door, struggling to bring in all the shopping bags of stuff that Ruhi had demanded to buy. Dropping the bags into a pile in one corner of the living room, Ishita pushed back some loose strands of hair from her face and tiredly walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

"Amma? Appa? I'm making coffee for myself. Should I make for you two as well?"

"Make a cup for me as well please." Raman answered Ishita's question, walking into the Iyer house and closing the front door behind him. He deposited yet another mountain of shopping bags into the pile that Ishita had already made and greeted both Mr. and Mrs. Iyer with a smile as he folded his hands respectfully.

"Namaste uncle, aunty."

Mr. Iyer smiled back and gestured Raman to take a seat on the sofa, while Madhavi nodded absent-mindedly and observed Ishita moving, or rather floating, around happily in the kitchen after hearing Raman's voice. As Raman and Mr. Iyer sat together to chat about Obama's recent visit to India on Republic Day, Madhavi joined Ishita in the kitchen. Speaking in a low whisper to her daughter, she asked Ishita to come into the bedroom to discuss something important. Ishita became worried at seeing the serious expression on her mother's face and turned the gas on low to heat up the milk for the coffee, as she followed her into the bedroom and closed the door softly.

"What's wrong Amma? Is everything okay?"

Madhavi thought for a moment, as she debated about which concerning matter to bring up with her daughter first. "Ishu, book a ticket to Chennai for me for tonight. Soumya called me just before you came and she informed me that your paathi might have broken her hip."

Ishita looked at her mother with shock for a brief moment, before she nodded and picked up her cell phone to call the travel agent. Meanwhile, Madhavi began gathering some clothes to pack into a small bag for her trip. Once Ishita had confirmed the ticket booking, she looked at her mother, who was still worried and mumbling something under her breath. Placing a soft hand on her mother's shoulder, Ishita hugged Madhavi.

"It's okay Amma. Paathi will be fine. You don't worry. I have confirmed your ticket; the train leaves in a little over one hour so you should get ready fast and I will drop you."

Ishita broke the embrace and turned to walk out of the room as she remembered that she had left the milk heating on the gas when Madhavi pulled her hand and stopped her.

"Ishu wait. There's one more thing I have to discuss."

"Amma, I left the milk on the gas so let me just make the coffee and then we can talk in the car when I drop you."

Reluctantly Madhavi nodded with agreement and finished her packing. "Okay, go."

Ishita ran out of the bedroom to find Mr. Iyer engrossed with the news on tv and Raman standing in the kitchen while Ruhi authoritatively stated out instructions to her father for how to make coffee.

"Okay papa, so paathi and Ishima like their coffee with two spoons of sugar but taatha cannot eat too much sweet so he only gets one spoon. Then you add the coffee powder into the cup and add the hot milk. And mix everything together until there are bubbles on top."

Raman tried to follow his daughter's instructions precisely as Ruhi kept a watchful eye on him while standing on a stool near the kitchen counter. He spilled some sugar on the counter as he spooned it into the cup and Ruhi scolded him.

"Arrey papa! What are you doing? You're making such a huge mess! Ishima is going to be so angry because she likes everything to be clean and precise."

Ishita rushed into the kitchen and caught the sugar container just as it was about to hit the floor and make a huge mess. "I'll finish it off Raman. You go and sit with Appa. I think you should stick to drinking coffee rather than making it."

Raman looked down at the ground embarrassed while Ruhi laughed at her father being kicked out of the kitchen and Mr. Iyer chuckled softly as he watched Raman dejectedly take a seat on the couch again. "It's okay Raman beta. Ishita is a bit of a control freak when it comes to cleanliness. She hates messes."

Raman smiled sheepishly as he heard Mr. Iyer's words and thought of his own bedroom in the apartment across that hall that had everything from clothes and office files to pens and shoes strewn across the floor and bed, making a mental note to clean up before Ishita saw the room. Handing off two coffee cups to Raman and her father in the living room, Ishita packed the remainder of the steaming liquid into a thermos for her mother to take onto the train.

-------------------------------

Ishita adjusted the rearview mirror as she reversed the car out of the parking space and drove out onto the main road. Once they were comfortably cruising on the highway, Madhavi cleared her throat and broke the silence.

"Ishu, I got one other disturbing call this evening, before Soumya called me."

Ishita gave a brief glance to her mother and returned her concerned eyes to the road while nodding.

"What is it Amma? Who called?"

"Mrs. Chandran."

Ishita hit the brakes forcefully, as she saw the traffic light turn red, her heart beating fast from the name that her mother had just uttered.

"Ayyo Ishu! Pay attention to the road kanna! I will stop talking if it distracts you."

Ishita whipped her head to look at Madhavi and spoke softly, her voice laced with. "Sorry Amma. But what did Mrs. Chandran say?"

"That you were engaged." Madhavi gave a questioning look to her daughter, whose face was suddenly devoid of all color and looked completely white, as though she was a ghost. A few beeping horns sounded from behind as the traffic light had changed to green; Ishita hit the accelerator, again hearing a string of reprimanding words from her mother.

"Ishu? Did you meet her today kanna? Why would she say such a thing?"

Ishita took a deep breath before she revealed the entire truth to her mother, from the biting words that Mrs. Chandran had said to how Raman had stood up for her and announced himself as her fiance. Madhavi heard everything silently.

"Absolutely not Ishu! Your Appa may be friends with Mr. Bhalla and Raman too may be a good boy, but I will never agree to get you married into a Punjabi family. Even if I look past that, I can never forgive Santoshi for what she did all those years ago! So you can take the thought out of your head if you were even considering this proposal seriously."

Ishita attempted to reason with her mother for the rest of the car ride, citing how this marriage would give Ruhi the family that the girl deserved and also give her the official position of Ruhi's mother, but her mother would not hear any of it. As Ishita settled Madhavi in her seat on the train, the mother imparted a final warning to her daughter.

"Ishu, don't even think about going ahead with this proposal. I will never agree to it. I will ask around within our family while I'm in Chennai if they suggest any boys for you; a nice cultured Iyer boy is what you need, not some divorced Punjabi who has a loudmouth mother that has no manners or values." Madhavi finished with a scowl, a mixed expression of anger and disgust adorning her face.

Ishita merely exited the train compartment with a sad look, half-heartedly nodding her head to indicate that she understood her mother's words.

Returning with a heavy heart at seeing the sudden dismal turn of events, her mother's warning ringing in her ears, Ishita walked from the parking lot towards the apartment building with tears in her eyes. She was surprised to find Raman waiting for her on the bench right outside the building. Trying to be discreet, Ishita brushed her hands up against her eyes and wiped away the wetness, an action that didn't go unnoticed by Raman.

"Oh Madrasan, chinta mat karo tum. Sasur ji toh pat gaye hain aur raha savaal sassu ma ka? Unko Chennai se aane do, phir dekhte hain ki voh kaise nahin maanti hain." ("Oh Madrasan, don't you worry. I have already convinced my father-in-law and as for my mother-in-law? Let her come back from Chennai and we'll see how she doesn't agree.")

He flashed a confident smile while she looked at him with confusion. Grabbing Ishita's arm, Raman pulled her to sit on the bench and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Your appa told me that Mrs. Chandran had called home earlier this evening and that your amma was worried about this. Once I explained the entire situation to him and asked for your hand in marriage, appa essentially melted like butter. The look on your face tells me though that amma didn't necessarily show the same enthusiasm?"

Ishita nodded as she looked down at her hands and played with her fingers.

"Don't worry about her Ishita. It's my job to convince her and I have five days to do it so leave it to me. But you just be ready with your idli-sambhar and frothy filter coffee tomorrow morning. The Bhallas are coming over for a South Indian breakfast." Raman winked and gave a bright smile.

Ishita felt her heart lifting as she saw Raman's positivity and confidence. Smiling genuinely, she gave him an encouraging nod as he explained his full plan to her for tomorrow morning.

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I wrote this in a rush so forgive me if there are mistakes. Hope you enjoy it. All the best for the next part Ankita!

❤️ Nivi