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Episode starts with…
At VR mansion same night:
Aryan and Janvi’s room:
Aryan: Hi sweetheart! (hugs her from behind).
Janvi: Hi
Aryan: Wow why such a cold response.
Janvi: Nothing I am just thinking about our baby.
Aryan: What about it?
Janvi: I was thinking about how to manage everything and if I’ll become a good mom or not?
Aryan: Janvi, why are you thinking like this trust me you are more capable then you give yourself credit for.
Janvi: Really? (sitting on his lap).
Aryan: Yes, I know you will become world’s best mom. I know my Janvi. You know even I was nervous when I first got to know that you are pregnant. I was so scared that what if I fail as a parent. But then I knew we will power through this.
Janvi: Aryan, I didn’t think you would be nervous too. I mean I was so engrossed in my own worries that I didn’t even think about you.
Aryan: Hey! You have all the rights to just think about yourself. You are carrying a life in you. I don’t what you think about anybody else. Just focus on your health. Right now, there is nothing more important for me than your health.
Janvi: You are right! Let’s sleep, I am tired.
Same night at Riddhima’s house:
Riddhima calls her kids to talk about Vansh. They were in their so room when they heard her calling, they came running down. Sejal and Pragati also came as they heard Riddhima calling out and thought to check what’s going on.
Riddhima: Shovan and Shaina I want to talk to the both of you.
Kids: Yes mom.
Riddhima: Please answer me truthfully. I trust you guys and love you. You know, that right?
Kids: Yes mumma, we know you love us.
Riddhima: Okay! Please tell me who was the man you guys were eating lunch with today.
Shovan: Mom he is Sakshi’s mamu. Sakshi is in our class. We met him yesterday morning in school when he came to drop off Sakshi.
Shaina: We even played basketball with him. Mom you know he also likes water sports just like us. You know he also likes the same food that we love.
Riddhima: So, he is Sakshi’s mamu and nothing else?
Kids: No mom.
Riddhima: Oh, right okay then go to bed now. (kisses them on their forehead).
Riddhima looked across the hall to meet her eyes with Sejal and Pragati. Pragati who is unaware of the whole truth just gives a blank look. While Sejal who understood Riddhima’s fears gave her a sympathetic look.
Riddhima: Pragati can you please see to it that the kids get changed and go to bed.
Pragati: Okay di
Sejal (walking towards Riddhima): Let’s sit down.
Riddhima: Sejal I don’t know how to react in this situation. I mean I always wanted Vansh to learn about his kids. Wanted to have a happy family and wished that my kids got the love of both their parents. I never thought they will meet their father like this.
Sejal: I know Riddhima but Vansh doesn’t know the truth. I understand your fears, the struggles you have faced.
Riddhima: Sejal I don’t care about Vansh, I am worried for my kids. I know I still love Vansh, but for me my kids will always be my priority. It’s hard for me to forget Vansh and the fact that I have kids him doesn’t help. You know Sejal no matter how hard I try to forget Vansh something always reminds me of him. The similarities between Vansh and our kids awaken all my buried memories.
Sejal: Well, the kids’ angle is hard to solve. But Riddhima I know you are very strong. You have been raising your kids alone all these years. I have seen you grow into a strong independent woman.
Riddhima: I am not the same emotional Riddhima that I was six years back. I can’t forgive Vansh so easily, he broke my heart. I am not going to let him in life. But it doesn’t mean I have stopped loving him I just can’t let him become a part of my life. And for that matter not even my kids’ life. I know a father’s influence is important but me and Vansh don’t share a healthy relationship and I can’t let that bitterness sabotage my kids’ childhood.
Sejal: So, Riddhima you are not going to tell the kids about Vansh?
Riddhima: No, I don’t think they can handle this. Plus, Vansh still believes I am a cheater who betrayed him so it’s better to keep things the way they are. Anyways the encounters between Vansh and kids are coincidence so I am not worried that they will meet frequently.
Sejal: Hhmm, you are right. Let’s sleep we have lots to do remember my wedding preps/rituals are starting from tomorrow.
Next morning at VR mansion:
Everyone is seated on the breakfast table. When dadi speaks…
Dadi: Everyone listen we have to go to Sameer’s engagement today.
Ishani: Dadi what time is it? Me and Angre were planning on going out to lunch to spend some time together.
Dadi: Sure, you can go the engagement is in the evening, it should be fine.
Ishani: Also, bhai can you baby sit Sakshi I know you are home today, and everyone is busy so I can’t ask anyone else.
Vansh: No problem anyways I like spending time with her.
Just then they see Anupriya enter the house but get shocked seeing Kabir enter with her. Seeing Kabir, an enraged Vansh leaps off his seat and rushes to Kabir. Holds his collar and rattles him.
Vansh: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!
Kabir: Leave me! (gets himself out of Vansh’s clutches).
Anupriya: Vansh, please listen to me once. Then you can decide for yourself.
Vansh: Mom I had clearly said that this man is not allowed in my house then what is he doing here.
Dadi: Calm down Vansh, at least hear Anupriya out.
Vansh: Okay fine only because dadi is saying so.
Anupriya: I didn’t go to my friend’s house I lied. I had gone to meet Kabir who was in Shimla. I am a mother Vansh I could not help but meet him. My heart yearned for my son, to be with him. I know Kabir has tried to harm you in the past, but he regrets it. Trust me he is a changed man. I want to live with him here in VR mansion.
Dadi: Anupriya how can you think like that? After what has happened, we can’t possibly keep Kabir in this house.
Vansh: I am sorry mom, but I don’t have a space for this man in my house.
Anupriya (sadly): Okay, in that case I have to leave this house with my son. I can’t live without Kabir I have spent so many years without him now I can’t do it anymore. I am sorry.
Vansh: In that case I can’t be of much help. You can ask the driver to drop you off wherever you want.
Dadi: Vansh! Anupriya is your mother. I have not raised you to break relations. As a mother I know the pain of losing a child. I lost your mother and then your father. I understand where Anupriya is coming from.
Vansh: But dadi (now confused and helpless in front of dadi). Okay fine but he is not allowed to speak with any family members, he can’t eat with us and not become a part of this family. We will only involve Kabir in front of the world because we can’t let outsiders’ gossip about us. But nothing more than that. (he leaves saying this)
None of the members family speak with Kabir as they didn’t want to go against Vansh’s orders.
Same afternoon at a restaurant:
Ishani: I have been wanting to spend time with you for ages.
Angre: I know me too! I have been busy as well and then with Sakshi we both couldn’t find time for each other.
Ishani: Angre I have been meaning to say this to you for ages but couldn’t get myself to say it. Call it my ego or something else. I want to thank you for being there for both me and Sakshi. You married me and accepted my child. Loved Sakshi more than me, in fact still love her more than me. I can’t believe I got you.
Angre: Ishani I told you I am not doing any favours. First, I did it to help but also fulfil my duty. Now I have started loving you.
Ishani (hearing this she gets a little emotional): Angre… Really you love me?
Angre (holding her hands): Yes! I want to start a fresh and have a normal husband-wife relationship.
Ishani: Me too I would love to take our relationship to the next level.
They enjoy their newfound love and respect for each other. They spend the afternoon enjoying the food and each other’s company. Whereas on the other side Vansh is spending time with Sakshi at home.
VR mansion on the poolside:
Sakshi: mamu look I made a family painting. (shows a vague stick figure painting to him)
Vansh: It’s beautiful darling.
Sakshi: You know mamu Shaina in my class, she is very good with art. She has the best work in class for all activities.
Hearing Shaina’s name Vansh thinks about all the moments spent with both the kids in the school, at the hospital and their talks. Lost in thoughts Vansh doesn’t realise Sakshi has been calling him all this while.
Sakshi (shakes him gently): Mamu! Where are you lost? I have been trying to call you for so long.
Vansh: Sorry beta. Let’s colour this picture together. (They colour in and spend the afternoon having fun playing games and watching cartoons).
In the evening at the Khurannas residence:
Riddhima with Sejal, Pragati and her kids arrive.
Preeti: So glad that you came early Riddhima. I am in desperate need for help. Everything is haywire here I need to get so much done before the guests arrive.
Riddhima: Oh, come on aunty you could have just ordered me to come help (she said laughingly)
Preeti: Okay then come let’s get things going. Sejal you can relax it’s your big day. And Pragati I need your help with decorations beta.
They all get on with the work. Pragati and Shivam have their small moments while decorating. While Sejal and Sameer enjoy the last few moments of their courtship before they will officially become engaged today. The kids are having a blast running around in the lavish house of the Khurannas. They found the garden and the poolside as their den where they built their forts and played with balls (shivam’s – he is the only one of sports age). Meanwhile Riddhima and Preeti do all the needful. Whereas Shivin is in the office with Vansh working on their new project.
The Raisinghanias arrive:
Everybody greets each other and settles in. Just then Shovan and Shaina come running into the living room. All the Raisinghanias look at them.
Janvi: Hey! I have seen you guys at the hospital yesterday.
Dadi: Really these two angels are kids of your colleague’s?
Janvi: Yes dadi, they are my boss’ kids.
All the Raisinghanias chit chat with the kids. They also get to know that they are Sakshi’s classmates. They all have fun, enjoying chatting with the kids and love their antics. In fact, love that all three kids get along. However, Riddhima was oblivious that the kids have met the Raisinghanias. She was busy in the kitchen and the last-minute decorations. Just then Vansh and Shivin enter. Looking at the kids Vasnh is pleasantly surprised.
Shovan: Hey Sakshi’s mamu.
Vansh: Hi, how are you?
Shovan: I am good
Vansh: What are you doing here?
Shaina: We are here with our mom.
Just then Sejal interjected. She knew if this continues then the kids would introduce Riddhima and after talking with Riddhima yesterday she can’t let the Raisinghania’s know the kids’ truth.
Sejal: Kids why don’t you all go play in the garden I guess the fort Shovan and Shaina made is still intact. And why don’t you all please get something to drink (to the adults).
All three go and play. While Riddhima comes out of the kitchen and meets the Raisinghanias and other guests. Apart from Janvi and dadi no one else greeted her well. Riddhima excused herself to check some arrangements.
Riddhima crashes into a man at the bar. She is shocked to find that it’s Kabir (Raisinghanias had to bring him since they can’t ridicule their respect in public).
Riddhima: What are you doing here?
Kabir: Well what are you doing here?
Riddhima: I am not going to answer you.
Kabir (holding her arms): Don’t walk away!
Riddhima (pushes Kabir back and slaps him): Don’t ever touch me again. I am not the same Riddhima that I used to be. Do not think of hurting me ever again. I know how to protect myself (goes away in a huff).
A hand pulls Riddhima behind a pillar. Aghast she looks up to find Vishal holding her.
Riddhima: Vishal what the hell are you doing?
Vishal: I am sorry (let goes of her arms). I didn’t mean to. I don’t disrespect women. I saw what happened between you and that Kabir guy. I don’t know what happened in your past and I don’t know much about your past either. So I am not going to judge you.
Riddhima: Sorry for snapping at you like that. I was a bit agitated with the Kabir incident. I am just caught up with so much work. I am usually not this moody. The engagement is of my best friend, so I am the go-to person, so you know everyone is just piling me with work
Vishal: So just tell them you can’t.
Riddhima (laughing): Hey! I like working, Preeti aunty is like family I not pissed just tired that’s all. By the way what are you doing here?
Vishal: I am friend of the Khurannas. We have business together. Plus, I have met Shivin uncle and Sameer outside of work, so we get along. Sameer and I are friends.
Riddhima: Close friends?
Vishal: No we are cordial with each other. We have only just started to hang out.
Riddhima: Oh, I see.
They leave from behind the pillar. What they don’t know is that Vansh was listening to their conversation. After getting annoyed at Tanya for constantly lingering over him he thought to take off away from her. He goes towards the bar and notices the encounter between Kabir and Riddhima. Though he couldn’t hear what they spoke of. He could feel the heat between them. Before he could go help Riddhima he saw her slapping him and smiled a little. He thought of comforting her but before he could reach her Vishal caught up with her.
Precap: Sejal and Sameer get engaged. Vansh and Riddhima have a moment at the poolside. Vishal and Riddhima eat dinner together while Vansh is eyeing them. Kabir sees Riddhima with the kids. Anupriya and Kabir plot to forward their plan.
Okay that’s is it for today. I know most of you will be planning my murder by now for letting Kabir stay back but it will help develop my story. Please leave your comments and let me know how I am going.