Gob smacked was what Kaveri and Sanjay were at this moment. They could not believe the girl whom they had outed with such disrespect and hatred from their house, belonged to such an illustrious lineage.
Sanjay could not hold back, and spoke, "Are you sure ke yeh ladki aapki family se hai? Maaf kijiyega, kahan yeh phatichar badtameez ladki aur kahan aap."
"Watch your tone, do you think we are stupid here? Mrs.Poddar, is he actually your firm's legal head? I thought a legal head of a reputed firm like Poddars would be how can I say…having a little more tact and be measured in their approach when they open their mouth." Yash furiously reprimanded Sanjay, taking a swipe at Kaveri too.
"Yash, calm down. Yes Sanjay, Abhira is my very own grandniece. We know Abhira is not an imposter. We have DNA results to back that up. Remember, how I said I have some family matters to discuss with you. Like I mentioned earlier, we had lost contact with Akshu, Abhira's mom. Hence, we were not aware when her paternal grandfather had kicked her out of his home. At that time, she was a recent widow and was also expecting. Her paternal family knew all this when they outed her, and her son Abhir. Now we want to have your firm fight for Abhir and Abhira's rights to Akshu's inheritance which consists of her jewelry, including those of Naira's. Plus, stake in Karthik's business for these two and Naira's son Kairav." Naksh spoke.
"However, we understand this may be an issue for you Mrs.Poddar, and we will respect it, and approach another firm, the Shekhawat's as a matter of fact." Yash spoke calmly.
Hearing the name Shekhawat's, Kaveri who was calmly processing everything that was happening, indignantly spoke, " Why would it affect us? We have a reputation that we hold very dearly. We know the difference between personal and professional lives Mr. Singhania."
"What if I said the case was to be against Manish Goenka? I am asking you, as I understand you have familial obligations to them. However, I too have familial obligations, and will not rest until Naira's descendants rights are restored." Naksh said.
"We will fight the case, Mr.Singhania. Rest assured." Sanjay answered. He did not realize that he fell into Naksh's trap.
"Thank you Sanjay sa." Naksh spoke appearing grateful.
"I have a request, if I may?" Abhir interjected, and then continued, "I understand that you are the legal head of firm Mr.Sanjay, but I would like to have Rohit fight for us, while you aid Rohit."
"Why you do not have faith in me?" Sanjay asked surprised. He understood that he had to control his tongue, and could not afford berating anyone anymore for the moment.
" I have two reasons for this. Please hear me out first. Number 1, spending time with Rohit, I have a built in trust and rapport with him. Second, as a doctor, I feel that there are somethings which are not quite there for Rohit. He may have trouble remembering. However, the sooner we get him back on his regular routine, the better it will be for him mental health wise. Are you ok with Mrs. Poddar?" Abhir asked. He knew that Sanjay had caught the bait, now all he had to do was reel in the fishing rod!
"But you said he doesn't remember things. Then that will affect your court case." Kaveri pondered.
"No, it won't because your legal head will be assisting him. So, he will be fully prepared. While going back to his regular schedule, he will start remembering more, and recover faster as his confidence will grow." Abhir spoke.
"Alright then. Rohit and I will fight this case for you Mr. Naksh and Dr. Sharma." Sanjay was just estimating the percentage of the inheritance that would come as his fees.
"Thank you Sanjay sa. We need to serve the papers to the Goenkas by tomorrow 10 am sharp. Can you prepare the papers, and just walk Rohit through it tonite? Naksh asked.
"It will be done Mr. Singhania." Sanjay spoke, and excused himself to start making calls for the paperwork.
----Central Hall ----
While Naksh, Yash and Abhir were throwing a volley of surprises on Kaveri and Sanjay, Abhira had come herself to throw the surprises on the rest of the Poddars. As she descended down the stairs, the Poddars were in awe. They would have never thought that Singhania and Abhira were connected such that they would be seeing her at the Singhania's private party. Seeing who was following her, their breathing ceased for a brief moment. They could imagine that they were seeing Rohit smiling while having a playful banter with Abhira as he came down the cascading stairs with her.
Vidya could not believe her eyes, the son whom she thought long lost and forgotten was alive. There he was, being his good old self. Manisha and the younger Poddars too were shocked. However, the one who seemed to have been electrocuted was Ruhi. She could believe that Rohit, her long lost husband of a few days was back, all hale and hearty. As a wife, she should have been jubilant, yet here she was feeling as her heart was setting, and she was falling in despair. Rohit's re-entry would cease her advancements towards Armaan, whom she had always viewed as hers. The manipulations, lies, and guilt-trappings she had to do to achieve her goal. She was almost there, but Abhira had to once again ruin things for her. Abhira, once again you've erected barriers for me to get Armaan. I hate you so much. Now, how can Armaan and I get together? No one in the Poddar family will support us now. What if Rohit knows about Armaan and I? I hope he doesn't know anything. If he does, then what will happen to me? What if B Nanu finds out.
When Rohit came down, Vidya engulfed him a huge Mama Bear hug. Even Manisha, had tears of joy. Abhira stood behind enjoying the reunion. Soon, Vidya's eyes fell on Abhira, and she was full of gratitude. She though did not know what to say to the girl whom she had kicked out of her house and life mercilessly.
"Abhira…main.." Vidya trailed off.
"It's ok Vidya Maa…Er I mean Vidya Ma'am." Abhira quickly corrected herself. Vidya shut her eyes at the painful reminder of their past encounter. There was nothing left to salvage though their broken relationship. Rohit noticed his mother's reaction and the way Abhira addressed her.
"Aree bitiya rani, chalo idhar baitho." Ananya patted the seat next to her, looking at Abhira. Abhira obliged, and Ananya affectionately patted her head.
Manisha tried to smoothen things by addressing Ananya, "Abhira aur aap related hain Ananya ji?"
"Of course, Abhira's my grandniece. Humari Naira ki navasi, aur meri niece 'Akshu' Akshara ki beti." Ananya answered sweetly.
Ananya explained how Naira was her bua Akshara Maheswari Singhania's daughter, and continued on. Manisha could not believe her ears. Yeh Abhira itni badi ghar ki beti hai? Mummy sa ko pata chal hi gaya hoga ab tak.
As Ananya was speaking, the house helps brought down two portraits, one of Naira and another of Akshu. Ruhi seeing the portraits clutched Armaan's hand. The younger Poddars in the meantime were hugging and catching up with Rohit. Ruhi's hand grabbing Armaan did not go noticed by Rohit. He was disgusted in the manner Ruhi had no blatant regard for society. She has always been pretending. Now I will pretend, and extract the price of each tear of mine. Abhir was right, why should I suffer in silence, and let go of my family? Humne shaadi ki hai Ruhi, sukh-dukh dono ek saath baaintne ki zimmedaari hai humari. Maine apne hisse ka rona kar liya. Ab tumhari baari Ruhi. Aur Armaan Bhaiya, aapko haadein ka kuch pata nahin? Achha hua joh Abhira chali gayi divorce ke papers dekar. What will she do with a fickle minded person like you? She needs unconditional support. Already she was alone, and you could not give her the support she needed to thrive. Thankfully there's God who is watching everything. Your karma will come back to you. I can see from your appearance that it has already started.
While Ruhi was holding Armaan's hand in a death grip, Armaan was astonished seeing Rohit and Abhira. He was happy seeing Rohit, and having him back. It was a miracle that Rohit was back, and Armaan could not help notice that it was Abhira who had brought him back to the Poddar family fold. At the same time, Abhira's appearance seemed like a bitter sweet moment,. She looked beautiful, her confidence added a glow that had become extinguished while she was with the Poddars. She looks just like the carefree Abhira I had met in Mussorie. Perhaps she and Papa are right. The family is toxic, such that any free bird spirit will be crushed under the obligations of patriarchy, outdated traditions and orthodox views. I wish I can talk to her and apologize for everything, especially for all the things related to Charu. I have always harshly judged her, disrespected her in order to please Dadisa and Fufasa.
Jasmeet had seen Ruhi's hand holding, and it boiled her Punjabi blood. She decided to take a well-deserved dig at Ruhi, "Arre, Rohit ke bhaiya- bhabhi. Tussi itne dur kyun khade ho? Bhai ke gale nahin lagna?".
Vidya and Manisha looked behind to whom Jasmeet was talking, and were shocked seeing Ruhi's hand gripping. Quickly Ruhi let go of Armaan's hand, who himself was not aware that she was holding onto him, as he was lost in his own thoughts. Armaan being freed, moved on to greet Rohit, who looked at him for a second, and put up a pretentious façade by hugging back.
"Arre nahin nahin…Yeh Ruhi hai, Rohit ki wife, aur woh Armaan hai. Rohit ka bada bhai." Vidya explained mortified and shocked by what she had witnessed. This was not the first time that she had witnessed Ruhi's antics. Divorce papers, always asking Armaan for help, blaming Abhira in the house for everything, manipulating people in sweet talks against Abhira, and towards herself and now hand holding Armaan in a visceral grip. Kahin Ruhi ka toh haath nahin tha Abhira ko nikalne mein? She knew that no one would have tolerated Charu's affair, and that is why Ruhi exposed it in the open in front of everyone? She always shows she's doing things for betterment of the family, but does she really?
Varsha taking queue, added fuel to the fire, "Maaf karna Vidya ji. I had seen them together for so long, and her holding onto her Jeth, that even I had assumed he was her husband."
Manisha tried to cover up and took a swipe at Ruhi " Arre koi baat nahin. Galatphemi bahuton ko ho jaati hai. Chalo Ruhi, tum apne pati Rohit se nahin milogi? Dekh Rohit, Ruhi stayed with us at Poddar mansion, waiting for you, even refusing to stay with the Goenkas."
The younger Poddars gave way to Ruhi, and they went ahead to greet Abhira, "Abhira Bhabhi! How are you? We've missed you so much!"
Just then, a booming voice came from the staircase,"I believe you all misspoke. You mean to say Abhira, or Abhira Didi right?" This was none other than Abhir. If he had inherited the Birla temper and sanak, then he had also inherited the Singhania's calculated, measured approach; which when combined together proved to be a lethal combination to get what he wants. All the Poddars were astonished seeing the young man as he came and stood next to Abhira.
"Aap?" Krish tried to formulate a question.
"Main Dr. A3S." Abhir answered.
"A3S, yeh kaunsa name hai?"
"Dr. Abhir Abhimanyu Abhinav Sharma. I know thoda long hai, isliye A3S. Plus abbreviation ke saath baat karna sirf babysa ki khasiyat nahin, uske bhai ki bhi specialty hai." Abhir spoke smiling at Abhira.
"Uffo, Bhai! Stop it! Don't call me that!" Abhira pouted.
"I got my baby sister after 21 years! Teasing ka interest bhi toh jor!" Abhir indulged her with a pull on her chubby cheeks.
The Poddars seemed as if they were getting jhatkas after jhatkas. First Rohit, then Abhira's appearance, then Abhira's connection to the Singhanias, and now her brother. Ruhi hearing Abhir's full name was surprised and happy at the same time.; whereas Armaan hearing the term 'Babysa' for Abhira couldn't but help chuckle. The elder Poddar ladies too were taken aback by Abhir.
"Mom, Dr. Abhir was my doctor. He's the one to rescue and treat me." Rohit distanced himself from Ruhi and went towards Abhir.
"Thank you so much beta." Vidya folded her hands towards Abhir.
"Beta bhi bolti hain, aur thanks bhi? Badon ke haath ashirwad ke liye uthne chahiye. Right BS?" Saying so, Abhir touched Vidya's feet for blessings. Abhir touched her her feet, because at the moment on paper, she was still Abhira's saas, and he was taught respect elders. Vidya wholeheartedly gave her blessings to him, and cupped his face. She went to Abhira as well to make amends.
"Please forgive me Abhira." Vidya spoke in a small voice.
"Vidya Ma'am, jaise Bhaiya ne kaha, badon ke haath ashish dene ke liye hote hain."Abhira spoke. Vidya cupped her face, and kissed Abhira's head. She knew that damages were done, and Abhira would never address her as Maa. If I had only restrained myself then. Why did I have to say such things to Abhira? I will be indebted to both Abhir and Abhira for life. They brought back my son.
Soon, Muskaan along with Poonam (Krish Singhania's wife) and Swati (Anthony Chauhan's wife) came with beautiful rakhi thaals. Along with them were their sons. In the youngsters' generation, Abhira was the only girl. So, it was natural for the Singhanias, and the Maheswaris to adore her the most.
Armaan came towards Abhira to talk to her. Abhira had seen how Armaan had been looking at her, and had been waiting for an opening to get closer to talk to her. She noticed how he had dark circles around his eyes. His hair was no longer in the impeccable style it used to be. He looked gaunt as well. Pata nahin ab Khadoosman ko kya kehna hai. Yeh aaj kal gel nahin lagata? Lagta yeh Ruhi ka khana usko hazam bhi nahin hota. Dark circles bhi ho gaye hain…yeh toh sach mein ab Dadaji jaise lagne laga hai. Isne abhi tak papers par sign kyun nahin kiye hain?
Before Armaan could get to Abhira, Abhir came in front blocking him access to Abhira. Abhir smiled at Armaan, and said, "Ruk jaao. Meri behen se tum nahin mil sakte. Not after everything she had to endure."
"Pati hoon main uska." Armaan spoke firmly.
"Divorce papers were served to you 6 months back. Sign them, and finish this broken relation Jijasa or should I rather say Pendulum sa? Oscillating between two step cousins sisters, and not knowing whom to pick. Also if I read you right, then you must have been trying to get marriage advice from that Chuhi whom you know is after you. Let me guess the advice - Stay from Abhira Armaan, She's trouble, she creates problem blah blah blah..After all, that Ruhi Chuhi is an expert on resolving marital woes, especially since her own husband left her a few a days. Wow!" Abhir knew he had given a low blow to Armaan. However, he wanted to infuriate Armaan into signing the papers and making Abhira free, or for him to act on his feeling and honor his wedding vows for life. He didn't mind giving Armaan earful. Main maanta hoon Armaan ke Jawainsa ka alag tarah se swagat hota hai. Par jabtak tum clear nahin hote, main tumhein Jawaisa wali respect nahin doonga. I will give you a hard time. After all, sala joh theira who bhi bada.
Ruhi came and approached Abhir, having taken a rakhi from the rakhi thaals, "Happy Rakhi Billa Boy!"
"Excuse me?" Abhir was annoyed with Ruhi.
"Abhir, main hoon, Ruhi, Ruhi Birla. You don't recognize me?" Ruhi tried once again.
"Listen, I don't know you. I have only one sister, and that is Abhira." Abhir spoke, shattering Ruhi once again.
"Abhira this, Abhira that. Abhira has snatched everything from me. Abhir, how can you not remember me?" Ruhi in her desperation, blamed Abhira.
"Listen Chuhi, don't you dare drag Abhira into this. I do not want to have any sister who is irresponsible, selfish, and morally corrupt, lusting after a married man, that too her Jeth. Mere andar bhi Birla wali sanak aur Dadda ka gussa hai virasati. If you want to create a scene, I will make sure to make it one that no one here will forget. Poddars might not know you, but I do very well. Teri sari manipulations aur emotional drama wale lies ka yahin pani ka pani, dudh ka dudh kar doonga. Aur haan, jis din tumne Mumma ko ghar se nikalwa diya tha, ussi din mera aur tumhara rishta bhi khatm ho gaya tha." Abhir growled menacingly, and left to be with Abhira.
"Abhira, you need to tie these 22 rakhis. One for each year that was missed." Abhir forwarded the rakhi thaal to Abhira. Everyone present except for Ruhi were smiling at Abhir's suggestion. They sensed the love and care he had for his younger sister.
"I pity the boy who will woo Abhira! He will have to first woo all her brothers first to even get permission to talk to her!" Ananya laughed. Manisha and Vidya smiled meekly. Afterall, what else could they do? The only one frowning at that statement was Armaan. For him, envisioning Abhira romantically with someone else, seemed to raise his temper. He clutched his fists. His fists clutching did not go unnoticed by Rohit and Muskaan.
Muskaan added fuel, "Well Abhira eklauti behan hai apne generation main! Bhaiyon ki shaadi mein aish hain Madam ke!"
"Yeh gal toh tune sahi dass di Muski! Par mujhe na, Abhir ke vyah di vaddi jaldi hai, Chhedi cheedi uska vyah karwao. Humein bhi apni nu ko dekhna hai, par yeh laat sahab ko hospital aur marizon se phursat kahan?" Jasmeet teased Abhir.
"Arre Jassi Mami Nani, main aapka eisa kya bigaara, joh shaadi naam ki bandook mere sar hi laga di! I mean bachpan ek aadh pinniyain churaiyi hongi aapki, aur zyada nahin! Par pinniyain chhurane ki itni badi sazaa? Yeh toh galat hai!" Abhir joked back. Everyone cracked up at his comments, including Abhira and Armaan.
“Soch lo Abhir, shaadi ka laddoo joh khaaye woh pachtaye, aur na khaaye woh bhi pachtaye.” Muskaan laughed.
“Eisa hai Buami, main apne diet mein laddoo afford nahin sakta. Oh Babysa, tum thoda jaldi jaldi rakhiyaain baandho, pehle ki humari saari mami aur nani mujhe BKB na bana dein.” Abhir replied.
“Yeh BKB kya hua?” Manisha could not stop asking out loud.
“Bali ka bakra!” both Abhir and Abhira said in unison laughingly and doing hi-fives!
“Yeh dono bhai-behen bhi na!” Gayu sighed and laughed with everyone else.
Hindi TV Shows
Current Affairs
97