My Word is My Bond… Part – 36

Hi friends… Sorry for the delay… Was trying to come up with few revelations… So got a little delay… It is a pretty long part, please have patience and read…

Thank you for your time and support… As always, keep reading and commenting… Silent readers thank you for your time…

Let’s get started… Happy reading…

Scene – 69:

Oberoi Mansion – 01:15 AM

Neil’s Room:

Neil: (Woke up from his sleep. Checking the time.) Oh no… (And fell back on his stomach. He kept rolling in the bed, but sleep left him long ago. Finally, he freed himself from his bed and walked out f his room.)

The whole mansion was silent and our Neil sab was roaming around the house. Sound of crushing/shifting something was echoing when he reached the mid of the stairs. His eyes were void of sleep in the very instant. Gulping, he turned around to see the source of the sound and found nothing. He slowly stepped down and reached the last stairs.

Neil: (A smile adore his face replacing the frown and fear.)

Standing in front of him was his love lady, who was making the final arrangements.

Neil: (Slowly stepped towards her and stood just behind her.)

Sammy: (Sensing someone’s close presence, she tried to turn around. But a pair of hands stopped her from turning and snaked around her waist. She closed her eyes, knowing her intruder. Her lower lip was trembling, feeling his close proximity.)

Neil: (Burying his head in her hair, he breathed few words.) What are you doing at this time…? (Not getting an answer, he asked her once again.)

Sammy: (Inhaling deeply.) Checking on to the arrangements…

Neil: Alone…? Without me…?

Voice from behind: No… With us, without you…

Neil: (Closing his eyes tight, he murmured.) Why…? Why me always…?

Sammy: (A small smile appeared on her face, but she hid it very well.)

Voice: Gadha… Let go of her, idiot…

Neil: (Without letting go of Sammy, he turned around with her still in his arms.) No… If you are jealous, go and hold on to your lady… And it is applicable for all…

Radhika: (Rushed to Arjun and embraced him completely.) Yes…

Arjun: (Chuckled and embraced her tight.)

Shivaay & Om: (Chuckled.)

Haider: (With his hands wide open.) Oh my God, staying with this idiot, even my sweet little buddy turned into an idiot…

Neil: (Gave him a royal ignore.) Meera, what is your say…?

Meera: (Was baffled on being pulled into the scene.)

Haider: Hey, dare you tease my lady…

Neil: (Smiling.) Dare you tease me or my love…

Shaurya: (Cleared his throat from behind.)

AR: (Was beside Shaurya.)

Shaurya: If you’re done with your PDA, will you let go of my little girl…?

Neil: (Clearing his throat.) Is it really necessary…?

Shaurya: Absolutely necessary… If not, she may die out of breath, which she is being holding back since you stepped behind her…

Sammy: (Her eyes and mouth were wide open.)

Neil: (Smirked.)

Sammy: Sha… You’re so dead… (She was about to step forward, but was pulled back by our idiot, with a teasing smile.)

Sammy: (Instantly silenced herself.)

Arjun: (Breaking his embrace with his love, stepped forward and pulled Sammy from Neil’s clutches.) No one is teasing my sister…

Shivaay: Absolutely… (And stepped beside Sammy.)

Neil: (Made faces.)

AR: Nikki, you have too many enemies in form of her brothers and buddy…

Neil: (Looking upwards.) Ab kya bachcha ka jaan logee kya…?

Everyone chuckled.

Sammy: (Tried hard not to show any of her emotions.)

Shaurya: (Was keenly observing her every moves.)

Sammy: (Sensed someone’s eyes on her and turned to find Shaurya’s observing eyes on her. She hid herself from his piercing gaze.)

Shaurya: (Thinking.) You really love him, darling… Stop fooling around, before it is too late…

AR: (Snapping his fingers in front of Shaurya.) Where are you lost…?

Shaurya: (Smiling.) Nowhere… (And hugged him.) Any pending work…?

AR: (Smacking his head slightly.) Two marriages, there won’t be anytime to say, “everything is done”…

Shaurya: Phew… From next time, if anyone is willing to get married, plan and do it on same day, simple as possible…

Rest chuckled.

Sammy: Kanjoos…

Shaurya: (Smiled and raised his imaginary collar.) That’s me…

Neil: Here, I’m dying to get my love life in track and here he is worried about marriage preparations and expenses…

AR: Ajju, when did Mr. Idiot turn to Mr. Lover Boy…?

All chuckled.

Haider: (Side hugging Sammy.) All hails to this lovely lady…

Anjali: Stop it…

All turned to find a sleep walking Anjali.

Anjali: Why don’t you guys let me sleep peacefully…? (Walked towards the nearby person, that is Shaurya and hugged him, laying her head on his chest.) Bhai, I want to sleep…

Shaurya: (Smiled and embraced her close to his heart. He walked them to the nearest couch and settled them on the couch still having her in his embrace.)

Sammy: (Went running to the duo and occupied the place beside Shaurya and rest her head on his shoulder.)

Shaurya: (Smiled and caressed both the young ladies head.)

Shortly, the rest too settled themselves in a convenient place and dosed off.

Next Morning – 05:00 AM,

Anika woke up first. She sqeezed her eyes to get a clear view. She looked around and found everyone sleeping. She smiled and got up. As she passed, her gaze fell on Shivaay, who was sleeping on the couch with his head resting on the backrest. His mouth was slightly open, and was sleeping like a baby.

As if on a spell, she walked to him and closed his mouth, with a smile playing on her lips. But the smile was turned to horror when he opened his eyes and looked straight into her eyes. The intensity in his gaze was more for her to handle and broke the eye-lock. She stepped back and rushed off from the location. His eyes followed her until she was in his sight.

Shivaay: (To himself.) I Love You… I Love You to death… (And closed his eyes, letting go off the droplets of tears.)

Scene – 70:

Oberoi Mansion – Mandir,

07:00 AM,

Daadi: (Was praying in the mandir.) Hey bagvan… Give me the strength to safeguard my family and let not any evilness harm them… And bless all my kids with fruitful life… Let ishqbaazi rule their life…

Meantime, she heard the sound of a bell. She turned to find Sammy ringing the bell tied in front of the mandir. Both had a pleasant smile on their face.

Sammy: (Walked to Daadi and stood in front if her.) When I was young, my maa, said me whenever you hear the bell of mandir ring while you’re praying, you’ll be blessed with it… Your prayers will be answered for sure, Daadi…

Daadi: (Smiled wide and caressed her hair. She nodded affirmative.)

Both prayed to God and left the mandir.

Oberoi Mansion – Hall,

Daadi was sitting in the arm chair.

Dilshad: Good Morning, Maa…

Daadi: Good Morning, Dil…

Dilshad: Maa, everything is ready for the Pooja and Quran pat…

Daadi: Good… See to it that there is nothing lacking…

Dilshad: Ji maa…

All the youngsters and elders joined them and got blessings from Daadi.

Daadi: Ajju, Shiv, come here puttar… Radhu, you too come here puttar, stand beside Ajju…

They went and stood in front of Daadi.

Daadi: (Caressing their face.) I’m so happy… Finally, my kids are getting married…

Arjun & Radhika: (Smiled.)

Shivaay: (Stood uncomfortably.)

Daadi: (Took a thali covered with red cloth and gave it to Radhika.) Here, puttar… Wear the suit for Quran pat and saree for Pooja…

Radhika: Ji Daadi… (And got blessings from her.)

Same way she handed the clothes for all the youngsters and the mothers.

Daadi: Dil, where is Sakshi…?

Dilshad: I don’t know maa… She was not in the room when I woke up… Since then I’m trying to contact her… She just left a message stating, she’ll be back soon…

Shaurya: What…? Now what are you upto Mom…?

AR: (Elbowed him and gestured what.)

Shaurya: (Before he could respond, his gaze fell on the entrance.) Mom…

All turned in the same direction and saw Sakshi stepping in.

Shaurya was about to step forward towards his mother, but was pulled back by his new found brothers.

Dilshad: Sakshi…?

Sakshi: (No response.)

Dilshad: (Louder.) Sakshi…

Sakshi: (Came out of her trance.) Haan…?

Dilshad: Where are you lost…?

Sakshi: (Shaking her head no.) Nowhere… Are the arrangements done, Dil…? Anything pending, we don’t have enough time left…

Dilshad: Nothing pending… Just get ready and we’ll start with Quran pat first and a hour later Pooja…

Sakshi: (Nodded affirmative.)

Dilshad: (To the rest.) Go and get ready… Be here within thirty minutes…

All nodded affirmative and went to their rooms.

Daadi: Sakshi, puttar, here take this… (Extended a thali covered with red cloth.)

Sakshi: (Got her blessings and received the thali.)

Dilshad: Maa, these two thali… (Showing the two thali kept on the table.)

Daadi: Take them and come along, Dil… We’ll give them to Krishna and Gauri…

Dilshad: Ji…

Daadi: (To Sakshi, Jhanvi and Pinky.) Puttar, you three go and get ready…

They nodded affirmative and walked off.

In the guest room,

Gauri’s head was laid on Krishna’s shoulder and his hand was stroking her hair smoothly. Both were lost in their thoughts that they didn’t notice third person’s existence in the room.

Daadi: Till when are you going to be lost in your thoughts, puttar…?

Gauri and Krishna snapped out of their trance.

Gauri: Daadi… (And tried to stand, but pain hit across her back and fell numb on the bed.)

Krishna: Darling…? Are you okay…? (He was continuously caressing her back, not touching her wound.)

Gauri: (Nodded her head positive.)

Daadi: (Caressing Gauri’s head.) Don’t strain yourselves puttar… Relax and get well soon…

Gauri: (Smiled weakly.)

Daadi: (Getting the thali from Dilshad, she extended it towards Gauri.) Here, take this puttar…

Gauri: (Gave a puzzled look.)

Daadi: Forgot…? Today, we have Quran pat and Pooja in our home… These are dresses for you… Take this and get ready… We don’t have much time…

Gauri: (Eyes filled with tears. She composed herself, touched Daadi’s feet and got blessings first. Then got the thali from her hand.)

Daadi: (Handed Krishna a thali too. She looked at him a little longer and caressed his face.)

Krishna: (Found it little strange, but ignored and passed a smile.)

Daadi: Get ready soon puttar… We’ll be waiting… First is Quran Pat… (And walked off with Dilshad following her.)

Gauri: (Placing a hand on his shoulder.) She is still hell angry, KB…

Krishna: Hmmm… (Pulling her into a side-hug.) We’ll make things fine… Now smile…

Gauri: (Smiled, making him happy.)

Their relationship is something God made to keep two broken souls intact. Their relationship is based on friendship, love and trust. They are soul-mates for each other. But still they are not romantically involved. Understanding their relationship is not everyone’s capability. But who understands, know the real value of any relationship.

He knew when to raise his voice on her and when to go silent. And she knew when to smack his head and when to stay as a pillar. They know when to tease each other and when to lend their shoulder for support. They know when to stand together and when to go against, for each other’s benefit. This is such a relationship that anyone could die for.

Scene – 71:

Oberoi Mansion hall,

All were assembled in the hall, except Krishna and Gauri. Pari and family reached shortly. Pari got blessings from Daadi and all the elders. Then walked to Anika and hugged her tight. Prateek too got blessings from Daadi and elders, following his sister. Later, pulled Pari off from Anika and hugged his Anu maa tight.

Prateek: Missed you so much, Anu maa…

Anika: (Hugging him back.) Missed you too bacha…

Pari: Bacha…? Anu thai, please open your eyes and have a look on to this huge creature in front of you, then call him names…

Prateek: (Faking a laugh.) Done with your chapar chapar…? Now, may I…?

Pari: (Gave him a royal ignore.)

Ankita: Stop it you two… And behave as grown up…

Prateek: Aai, you say that to your ladli beti… Now-a-days, she had turned into a worst drama queen…

Pari: Drama queen…? Me…? Wait, I’ll show you now…

There begins ‘chase me’ game.

In this chaos, Prateek pushed Anika and she fell straight into Shivaay’s arms, that secured from touching the floor. Prateek and Pari continued with their chase. When they were out of anyone’s sight, they stopped and looked into each other’s eyes and hi-fied. Later, he embraced his sister in his arms and comforted her.

Prateek: (Thinking.) I know thai that you’re hurt… You’re hurt because you too love him… But you’ll never show it out as it would end Anu maa’s happy life… I couldn’t do anything to make you happy or wipe off your sadness… I’m a puty on brotherhood… Sorry thai… I’m extremely sorry for being a sham on brotherhood…

Pari: (Feeling wetness on her shoulder, she pulled from the hug to see tears rolling down her brother’s eyes. She wiped off his tears and gestured him to smile.)

Prateek: (Stood emotional.)

Pari: (Huffed and passed an evil smile.)

Prateek: (This alerted him and ran off.)

Meantime,

Anika and Shivaay was lost in each other’s eyes. For them the world around them was stopped. Nothing mattered to them, except their togetherness. Few were trying to bring the love birds back to the real world as the elders were around. Few neglected it and concentrated on other things. Few just adored them and wished they get their part of joy.

Pari: (Chased him throughout. Finally she tackled him on the couch, in the hall and tickled him to death.)

Prateek: Thai… Sorry, thai… Please, stop…

Pari: (Tickled him more.)

This brought the love birds back to sense.

Ankita: Hey Bappa… Shashank, stop them… They are creating a mess…

Shashank: (Gesturing her to wait. Sternly.) Prateek… Stop…

Ankita: (Smacking his arm.) Always you’re harsh over him, why don’t you see the faults on your daughter ever…?

Prateek: (Making a puppy dog face.) Absolutely Aai… He is worried only about his princesses, not me…

Shashank: (Opened his mouth to say, but was cut off cruelly by his darling wife.)

Ankita: See… You had hurt my son…

Pari & Prateek: (Were chuckling and hi-fied each other.)

Shashank: (Closing her mouth with his palm, turned her face to the naughty duo.)

Ankita: (Gasped and threw draggers at the duo.)

Pari & Prateek: (Silenced themselves and turned into god kids.)

Ankita: Tum donno…?

Shashank: Enough… Let our circus show continue later… Let’s move forward with for what we’re actually here…

Daadi: It’s okay, puttar… It had been a long time that we witnessed something so heart warming… Don’t stop fun of family time…

Shashank: (Smiled.)

All their trance was broken by heel clicking sound. They turned towards the staircase to find Krishna and Gauri. They walked forward and got blessings from Daadi and then all the elders. Dilshad, Sakshi and Ankita was little resistant. But still blessed them. Standing in middle, they held their ears and knelled down, with heads down. First one to breakdown was Meera.

Meera: (She went running to the duo and gathered them in her embrace.)

They hugged her back tight.

Krishna: Sorry Beautiful… Didn’t mean to hurt you or anyone…

Gauri: We’re really sorry…

Meera: Shh… Relax… (Breaking the hug, she carefully caressed their heads to the their wounded hands.) Is it still hurting…?

They nodded negative.

Radhika: (Pulling Meera back.) Don’t fall for their puppy face, Meera… They are well talented in fooling us…

Krishna: (Hugging Radhika in spite of her fight against him.) Sorry, Radhi di… Maaf kardho na…

Radhika: (Lost the battle and hugged him tight.) Dare you play with your life again… (And looking at Gauri.) And no special warning for your madam, it is even for you… (And pulled her into the hug.)

Sammy: (Pulled reluctant Anika along with her and joined the hug.)

Anika: (Was still a little resistant.)

Krishna: (Breaking the hug, he kneeled in front of Anika and hugged her tight.) Sorry, Ani maa…

Anika: (Broke down and embraced him tight.)

Gauri: (Hugged Anika from behind.)

Sammy: These two know how to convince people…

Meera: Yes, that’s why you didn’t give them a chance to convince you and forgave them…

Radhika: And look at who is saying…

Meera: (Showed a puppy face.)

Haider: Are you all done with your emotional atyachar…? Happy…? Now move… (He pulled both Krishna and Gaui into a hug.)

All the guys joined the hug.

After the pulled off from the hug,

Om: (Smacked Krishna’s head slightly and hugged him once again. His eyes then met with Gauri’s teary eyes.)

Neil & Haider: (Walked to Gauri and side hugged her from either sides.)

Neil: Don’t worry your lover boy will forgive you soon…

Haider: Haan… Even he can’t stay away from you for long time…

They hi-fied each other. Gauri was gasping at what they said.

Gauri: You both are mistaken…

Neil & Haider: (With a teasing smile and eyebrow raised.) Really…?

Gauri: (Went mum and held her head low.)

Pinky: Enoughs… All comes, it is times for Quran pat…

All walked toward the area where the preparations for Quran pat was done.

Scene – 72:

Dilshad and Haider was ready to start with the Quran pat and rest settled themselves behind them. They trance was broken, when they found someone’s presence beside them and turned to their right to see Meera, as a Muslim girl. She passed a smile towards them and settled herself for the Quran pat.

Wali Sab: Beti app…?

Meera: (Standing.) As-salamu Alaikum, Wali sab…

Wali Sab: Wa-Alaikum-Salaam, beti… Kaise ho…? Masha Allah, aapko yehan dekh kar dil kush hua…

Meera: Mein tek hoon, Wali Sab…

Wali Sab: Allah kareh, aap hamesha kush raho… Yeh meri dil se duwa hai… (And blessed her.)

Meera: (Bowed her head and got the belssings and took her place back.)

Dilshad started with the Quran pat along with Haider. Meera joined them and prayed along with them, exactly the way it is done. All were shocked but happy.

As the Quran pat was over,

Dilshad: Meera… How do you know all this…?

Meera: (She saw Dilshad and Haider behind her with lots of question written on his face. Averting her gaze back to Dilshad.) Voh, my mother was a Islam girl… She married my father who was a Hindu… Both my parents decided to worship and respect both their form of Gods… Unfortunately my journey of life with them was broken too early… But my parents, Sooraj Pratap Scindhiya and Gayathri Sooraj Pratap Scidhiya, they brought me up according to my biological parents wish… They thought me the culture and belief of both Hinduism and Islam… That’s how… (Shrugged her shoulders.)

Dilshad: (Cupped her face and kissed her forehead.) So you’re the same girl who ran away from her wedding… Princess of Scindhiya family… Heart beat of Sooraj Pratap Scidhiya…

Meera: You know Baujee…?

Dilshad: Met him twice or thrice in business meetings… He loves you a lot… More than his sons…

Meera: (held her head low.)

Dilshad: (Lifted her head, cupping her face.) Why…? For this duffer son of mine…? (Pointing towards Haider.) You love him so much that you forgot your family…? (tears brimming her eyes.)

Meera: (Broke down silently.)

Dilshad: (Gathered her in her embrace.) (To Haider.) I don’t what you’ll do… I need my daughter smiling forever and it is with her family around…

Haider: I will… (Locking his eyes with Meera.) I will get our family back…

Meera: (Leaped on him and hugged him tight.)

Haider: (Hugged her back tight.)

Krishna: And do it soon, bhaijaan… So that you can get married soon… (And winked at them.)

Anjali: (Poking him.) He is Bhaijaan… My Bhaijaan… Dare you call him that…

Krishna: (Smiling, pulling her cheeks.) So cute… (And walked to Haider and hugged him.)

Anjali: (Was fuming and stamped her foot and walked off.)

Haider: (Smacking Krishna’s head.) Kya…? Stop teasing my Doll…

Krishna: (Made faces.)

All chuckled.

Daadi: Let’s get moving, we have Pooja too…

All went to their rooms to get changed.

Scene – 73:

After thirty minutes all assembled in the hall one-by-one. Anjali was struggling with her saree and cursing under her breath, making faces. All were stunned to see their little Anjali all grown up in the saree.

Anjali: (Lifted her head to find all the eyes fixed on her.) What happened…? Why are you all staring at me…? (She checked herself once again.) Is something wrong…? Am I looking too bad in the saree…? (Her eyes filled with unshed tears.)

Arjun: No dear… (Taking her in his embrace.) You look beautiful as ever… No, you look more beautiful today and saree suits to better…

Shivaay: (Holding her shoulders.) We’re just stunned to see our little girl all grown up…

Om: (Wiping off the tear that rolled down.) So no more tears…

AR: Not now and not ever… (Caressing her head.)

Neil & Haider: Yup… No tears because the makeup would get flowing down… All your hard work to look pretty goes waste… (And hi-fied each other.)

Anjali: (Was fuming in anger and throwing daggers at them.)

Arjun: (Patted her shoulder and gestured her to carry on.)

Anjali: (Smiled and turned to the duo with a dangerous smile.)

Neil & Haider: (Was alerted by now. But they didn’t know it was not the lady in front of them to smack them the ladies behind them who are her warriors. They turned back as someone patted their shoulder to find the young ladies with angry glares.)

The ladies rounded them and were ready to attack them.

Shaurya: What is happening here…? (Just now he stepped in and was shocked to see the scene in front of him.)

AR: Shaurya, I advise you to stay away from this…

Shaurya: But bhai… They are brothers…

Om: If you’re to stand by them, then you’re in great trouble…

Shaurya: (Gave them a puzzled look.)

Neil: Bro, don’t listen to them and save us…

Haider: Haan… Those guys already left us alone…

Shaurya: (Before he could say anything.)

Sammy: So you support them…?

Shaurya: Haan…? (It was a question than being an answer.)

Sammy: (Smiled and pushed towards the duo.) Enjoy…

The girls attacked them. They were tickling them and hitting them, taking full advantage of the chance. After a while, all got exhausted and fell on the comfortable positions. They looked at each other and broke into laughter.

Daadi: You guys had lots of masti, now let’s get moving… It is time for Pooja…

Scene – 74:

They all reached the garden where arrangement for Pooja was done. A pair of eyes were filled with tears. It was exactly the same as she had witnessed years ago.

Sakshi: Remember something…?

Sammy: (Broke down into tears and fell on her knees.)

Shaurya: (Rushed to her and held her in his embrace.) Mom…? (He looked at his mother with accusing eyes.)

All were puzzled with the happenings.

Arjun: (His heart was paining to see Sammy’s tears and hands were itching to take her in his embrace.)

Sakshi: (Showed no reaction.) Maira, you have to do this… For the mother who gave birth to you…

Sammy: (She looked at the mother who loved her dearly.) Kyun…? Kyun maa…?

Sakshi: As I said, for your mother who gave birth to you…

Sammy: (Thought for a while, wiped her tears and stood up.) If you feel this is right, then this will happen…

Shaurya: (Turning her towards him and cupping her face.) You need not do this…

Sammy: (Smiled weakly.) I want to do this, Sha…

Shaurya: (Thinking.) I know dear, you don’t want to do this, but you will still do it for the sake of our mothers… I’m with you in this… (He took her hand and walked towards the Durga Maa’s idol. He took the ghungroo and tied it around her ankle and stepped back.)

Sammy: (Passed a weak smile to him. She joined her hands in front of Durga Maa’s idol, prayed and walked backwards and stood at the center.)

All gave her a puzzled look and looked at each other. Then all eyes landed on Sakshi, who had her hands joint together and praying. Dilshad was beside her same null expression. All their trance was broken by the dhol, and turned to find Shaurya playing the dhol. And there came another shock, when Sammy started dancing, worshipping Maa Durga…

Sammy was dancing like mad, at one point her feet started bleeding, still she continued. Some many emotions were running in her but didn’t let them effect the dance, which is a form of worship that her mother taught her. Shaurya had tears in his eyes. Sakshi was breaking down. Raj, who just entered, was taken back.

Shaurya completed the music with the last round of hits on the dhol and dropped the dhol down and rushed to Sammy. Before she could fall and kiss the ground, he caught her and embraced her to his chest. Sakshi with left out energy walked to Arjun and held his shoulder and gestured towards Sammy.

Arjun: (Was taken back, but to ensure his doubts he gasped few words.) She is…?

Sakshi: (Cutting him off, she nodded affirmative.) Your sister… Your long lost sister…

Arjun: (Was shaken and stumbled back.)

But our guys were alert and got hold of him.

Arjun: (Averted his gaze to semi-conscious Sammy. Tears rolled out of his eyes.)

All the eyes were shedding tears.

Arjun walked towards Sammy, with the youngsters following him. He kneeled beside Sammy and caressed her head. Shaurya, who wasn’t aware of what his mother said, gave him a puzzled look. Arjun extended his hands to Shaurya, in a trance, he passed Sammy into his extended hands. Arjun held her close to his heart and cried.

Sammy: (Whispered.) Bhai…?

Arjun: (Let out more tears.)

All our guys were smiling wide with tears rolling down their face. Radhika and Anjali were happy to get their long lost sister, whom they lost even before her birth.

Daadi: (Placing hand on Arjun’s shoulder.) Puttar… Here, give this water to her puttar… (And extended a glass of water.)

Arjun: (Got the glass and placed it close to Sammy’s lips and helped her drinking.)

Daadi: Take her to her room… She needs rest…

Arjun: (Nodded affirmative and carried her to the room.)

The rest followed her.

Arjun carefully placed Sammy on bed. Shivaay adjusted the pillows. Om started cleaning her wounds. Haider carefully removed the ghungroo. Neil was just looking at her tear dried face. Radhika walked to her brother and hugged him tight, assuring everything is fine. Neil hugged her back. Anjali was standing numb. Krishna noticed her and supported by side hugging her.

After cleaning her wounds, Om slowly adjusted her legs under the duvet with Haider’s help and covered her completely. Arjun was sitting beside her and stroking her hair continuously. AR touched his shoulder, bringing him back to sense. They smiled at each other, with tears brimming their eyes.

AR: Let her sleep… Come out, we have few things to discuss…

Arjun: But…

AR: She is not going to wake up anytime soon… We’ll be back soon…

Arjun: (Nodded affirmative, averted his gaze to Sammy, kissed her forehead and got up.)

AR took Arjun along with him, and gestured the rest to follow them.

Scene – 75:

The youngsters reached the hall where the elders were seated. Guys settled in the available place and our young ladies stood behind them. All were silent for a while. Our ladies silently moved to the kitchen and returned back with the coffee/tea and snacks. They served them to all.

AR: Atya…?

Sakshi: I know, I know all of you many questions in your mind… I’ll answer all your questions… (Taking a deep breath, she continued.) My childhood friend, Piyu, Piyali Khanna aka Piya Khanna, the famous classical dancer, who died out of poverty and decease… I didn’t know much about her pregnancy, I just came to know that she was pregnant after one of her dance performance held in Mumbai… During pregnancy she suffered a lot… Her family tortured her and tried to abort the child many times, only because they couldn’t get the money she used to provide them… Later, one day, she was on our door step holding her baby bump and all worked out… Just looking at her, I understood, she was about to deliver the baby soon… I had Raj to get the doctor… She delivered a girl baby and she was given into my hands… But before me, a three year old, Shaurya stood stating, “It is my baby, I’ll take her first…” (She chuckled at the memory. Shaurya and Raj chuckled along with her.) After that, it was always a struggle, for both mother and daughter… I didn’t know why, but never I raised a question about the father of the child… I couldn’t do it… I didn’t want to hurt her… We were on a official trip, with Shaurya, we didn’t know that we’ll never be able to meet them again… (And broke down.)

Shaurya: When we returned, everything was over… Piyu maa was no more, Maira was missing… I lost all my saneness… We just came to know that Maira was pushed into wrong hands by her own family… She danced in front of men, who are worst then animals… With whatever energy left in me, I smacked her so called family black and blue… From then, we were searching Maira, till we saw her here, in Oberoi Mansion…

Raj: (To Sakshi.) But, how did you come to know, she is Arjun’s sister…? It is still not clear…

Sakshi: The day, Maa ji woke up from her coma and reacted seeing Maira… That day, something stirred deep in me… I was sure from the very beginning that Piyu was not romantically attracted to anyone… I just thought it would be mistake happened in a weak moment… But seeing Maa ji’s belief and hope, I started rethinking about my views… That is when, I found Radhu, searching for all the clues related to Maira being Arjun’s sister… We decided to do their DNA test, which was the only option to clear all the doubts… But we didn’t let anyone know about it as we didn’t want to raise anyone’s hope… Today morning, I went to get the DNA results… The result was positive… I wanted to say the truth to all, but couldn’t do that… I wanted her to dance again, which Piyu thought her daughter, so I used Durga Maa’s Pooja and decided to settle her with her family, her real family by the end…

After a while,

Shaurya: But one thing is still disturbing me… What is the relationship between the Mehra family and Piyu maa…?

Daadi: I’ll say you puttar… Years ago, when Arjun’s mother, Ashna was travelling back to home after attending a function, her car met with an accident… Arjun’s father, Pratap went to the hospital as soon as he got the information… Only kids were back home, so I stayed with them, Piya Khanna was there with us, she offered to go along with him… As they reached the hospital, they came to know that, Ashna will not be able to survive… And they also told him about the baby growing in her, who is still healthy… When Prathap had a chance to talk to Ashna, she only requested him one thing, to save her unborn child as her last wish… Doctors said it is possible through surrogacy process, but the challenge was to get a surrogate mother… We tried many places, and none f our ladies were in city, all were out of city for various reasons… Meantime, seeing Pratap’s broken state, Piya offered to become his daughter’s surrogate mother…

Dilshad: (Continued.) When I came to know about the accident, I rushed to the hospital… But it was too late, Ashna was no more… Surrogacy process was done… And even she was missing… Pratap too died shortly… Later, I came to know from Maa who was very badly injured, that Pratap before taking his last breath asked the lady to go somewhere far from this city and save his unborn child… But before she could take her name, she fell unconscious and went to coma for years…

Arjun: I swear to God, I’m not leaving Nandhini Pandey for taking my family away from me, from my brothers…

Shaurya: Matlab…?

AR: Nandhini Pandey, the blood sucker, money lover, wanted all the wealth of MehBerMalHan family for herself, but it wasn’t possible with the unity they had… She wanted to break that unity, she spotted a death trap for the head of the families, grandparents of us… She was successful, they left this world in the accident… Only Daadi was saved in the accident… But still she couldn’t break the unity they had, as Ajju’s father served as the bonding agent… So she plotted against him, but unfortunately Ashna maa took his car that day, and met with the accident… After surrogacy process, when Pratap papa was sitting in the garden of the hospital few men attacked him and he was badly injured… Daadi, who went there in search of him was also injued by them… Piya maa was asked to escape from there, as he couldn’t trust Nandhini Pandey at that time… He thought atleast his unborn child would be safe… Pratap papa died… Daadi was serious and admitted in the same hospital…

Shivaay: Not only them, even Prerna maa and Arav papa, Neil and Radhika’s parents and Ammeejaan and Abbujaan, Haider’s parents were victims of Nandhini Pandey’s hunger… That is when Ammee decided to send us kids far from her sight and kept us safe… She struggled alone for years… Whatever we are it is only because of this mother… We only had one prayer, give us strength to safeguard our family and let our unborn sibling be safe wherever he/she is…

Om: Our prayers were heard… She is safe… We got her…

All smiled.

Shaurya: Phew… So many revelations for a day…

All chuckled.

Arjun: (Slowly stood from his place, walked to Sakshi and kneeled in front of her, held her hand tightly and kissed her knuckles.) Thank you maa…

Sakshi: Maa and Thank you…? The combination is not that good…

Arjun: (Chuckled lightly.) Still, for the sake of my peace…

Sakshi: For the sake of your peace, Thank you accepted…

They smiled at each other.

Arjun: (Got up and walked towards his lady love. He stood few feet away from her and looked into her eyes. And slowly went on his knees and thanked her.)

Radhika: (Leaped on him and hugged him tight.)

They cried in each other’s embrace.

Arjun: Thank you… Thank you for keeping up your promise…

Radhika: Shut up… (And tightened her hold around him.)

Precap:

Mehandi and Sangeet…

Lots of Love,

Anci