Chapter 54

3 years ago

Tvfanatic85

@Tvfanatic85

“This is my family Mr Bajaj, Kukki, Sneha, Vishaka and these two munchkins” Prerna said, saying a silent prayer and thanking God for the same.

After sometime quietly Mr Mehra came into the room.

“We need to talk. Can you come out??” Mr Mehra whispered. Mr Bajaj and Prerna looked at each other surprised. They didn't want to leave the girls. Just then Mrs Mehra walked in and signalled them to go. The trio came out.

“Sir it is better if you go to Saba’s house. The news of the fire is out. Everybody press media they are all showing it. Vishaka is old enough to know and watch it. She must be getting scared. It is better if we explain everything instead of neighbours or from social media. Main aur Ashwini hain bacho ke saath. Aap…. “ Mr Mehra explained. Prerna and Mr Bajaj nodded. 

Saba had just shifted into her new 1bhk home a few days ago. Prerna remembered Saba’s face on the day she had told her about it. The pride on her face for being able to get a roof on Vishaka’s head. They were in the middle of decorating and painting it. Suddenly the car stopped and Prerna came out of her thoughts with a jerk. With a heavy heart she pressed the doorbell and Vishaka opened the door.

“Prerna mam aap?? Are you all okay?? Notification just came on my feed. Sorry aap log andar aayi naa.” Vishaka said and went aside for them to come in. She then peaked out hoping to see her mother.

“Mumma nahin aayi aap logo ke saath?” Vishaka asked and the duo froze in their place and looked at one another. Vishaka continued “Main abhi aap logo ko call karnewali thi. Mumma ko kabse call kar rahin hoon she is not picking up. Maine aapka bhi try kiya but it was not reachable. Then I saw the notification and I realised what had happened. Mumma shayad Kukki aur Snehu ke saath hongi na. Are they all ok???” The little girl’s belief that Saba was all ok tore both Prerna and Mr Bajaj’s hearts. Vishaka continued rambling while she brought water for them.

“Vishaka!!! Beta hume aapko kuch batana hain '' Prerna said all of a sudden. There was never going to be a correct time, they will never have the strength. They had to rip the bandage off. She composed herself and took Vishaka’s hand and made her sit on the couch. Prerna sat in front of her. 

“What happened Mam??? Sab theek hain na??” Vishaka asked.

“Vishu bache jo aag…… aag….. lagi thi. Usme Kukki aur Sneha….. Dono…. dono... phase hue the. We…. we…... were not there with them. Sirf….. aapki mumma thi. Hum…. humlog pahuch gaye time pe …. We were trying to save them and and…. We tried our best but Vishu….. aapki …… aapki …… mumma…..” Prerna tried to continue but she couldn’t

“Mam!!!! Mam kya bol rahin hain aap??? What ….. What are you trying to say? Sir…. Sir….. Kya bol rahin hain yeh??? Kya bol rahin hain yeh???” Vishaka asked not ready to understand what Prerna was saying. The blank and sad stare of Mr Bajaj and the way he moved her face away not able to look at her anymore confirmed what Vishaka was thinking “No!!!!!! No!!!!!!! NO!!!!!!!!!!! Mummaa!!!!!” Vishaka shouted and Prerna engulfed her in her motherly embrace while the girl cried her heart out. After sometime Vishaka had gone into a deep sleep on the couch crying, tired and sad. Prerna caressed her face and then went to Mr Bajaj standing on the balcony. She touched her head to Mr Bajaj’s back bringing him out of his thoughts.

“Kya ho gaya Rishab??? Kya ho gaya yeh sab??” Prerna asked and Mr Bajaj didn't say anything, just engulfed her in his arms and kissed her on the head. They stood like that for how long none remembered. 

Next morning the last rites of Saba were done. There was only a prayer meet for Saba at the Dargah. All of Saba’s neighbours and some of her friends with the Bajaj family and Mr Mehra attended it and all eyes were tearful. Mr Bajaj and Prerna stayed at Saba’s house while Mrs Mehra took complete responsibility of the hospital. Kukki knew what they were doing and she handled herself and Sneha as needed. They had just come back from the dargarh after the prayer meet and vishaka after much cajoling from Prerna ate something and went to sleep. Prerna also went to sleep after sometime but Mr Bajaj was looking at the file that Mr Mehra had sent him. It contained every information about Mr Bose that he could find -professional and personal that until now Mr Bajaj had avoided. Mr Bajaj was done underestimating how low that man can go in his madness. He carefully studied each and every page making notes here and there forming a plan in his head. While Prerna was sleeping  Mr Bajaj kissed her forehead, made sure she was covered properly, made sure Vishaka was sleeping properly and then left the house closing the main door behind him. He went straight to meet Mr Bose at the police station. Nitya was standing there with Mr Bose in the remand room discussing something when Mr Bajaj walked in. 

“Rishi!!!” Nitya said surprised

“Mr Bajaj !!!! Mr Rishab Bajaj!!!! Out!!” Mr Bajaj said, taking the chair in front of Mr Bose. Nitya was surprised. More than hurt she was scared at what she was looking at. The look on Mr Bajaj’s face scared her. Shaking she left from there.

Mr Bose and Mr Bajaj sat facing each other for a long time. 

“Kukki kaise hain” Mr Bose asked. Mr Bajaj nodded. 

“Don’t you dare think you won. Kal shubh tak you will be trash” Mr Bose shouted

“Of Course I will be and not just trash. I will be done and dusted. Aur kyun nahin jab aap paper main meri aur Saba ki naked pictures dekhayenge yeh sabit karne ke liye ki I was having an affair with her. Isnt it?” Mr Bajaj said smiling. “Phir uske baad media main ek ek karke headlines. Kaise jab jab main family holidays ke liye gaya Saba mere saath thi. Uska ek separate room luxuries, uski apartment ka lease jiska down payment maine kiya hain.” Continuing

“Tum itne kache khildai hoon maine yeh to itna nahin socha tha. I mean main itni mehnat kyun karunga. All i need is a “Mr Bose started

“Fake Dna report.” Mr Bajaj completed “Ki vishaka meri beti hain aur jab saba ko realise hua ki main use kabhi accept nahin karunga usne apne pagalpan main apne obsession main khud bajaj mansion main aag lagai taki kukki sneha …. Aur phir main uska ho jao. Of course usne socha tha Prerna bhi hogi par uska plan fail ho gaya.” Mr Bajaj finished. 

“Main apni poti ko tumhare saath suffer mahin karne dunga” Mr Bose barked and Mr Bajaj just smiled.

“12th April 1998” Mr Bajaj said, taking out a cigar and puffing it up. He offered towards Mr Bose but he was too stunned to say anything. 

“Mrs Bose aur aapki anniversary thi lekin aap log party main late pahuche. Kyun??? Oh Mrs Bose to apne lover ke saath thi….. busy thi…. while you were planning her surprise party. The most lavish party. Coincidentally you saw  her on the way while making preparations and thought to surprise her but you got surprised.” Mr Bajaj said and Started laughing.

“I am sorry Mr Bose I am so sorry. But how can you not Know??I mean anybody could have guessed.” Mr Bajaj replied

“Get out !!!! Get out!!!!!”Mr Bose barked. “Get out !!!! Get out!!!!! Or I will ” 

“What??? Have me killed just like you tried to kill the lover and that is why Mrs Bose left.” Mr Bajaj replied calmly and then

“How Dare you?? How Dare you touch him? I love him Anirudh!!!  I love him!!!! I Love him A….. Ni…… Rudh…..”Mr Bajaj imitated shouting while Mr Bose fumed with anger. 

“Tum kissi se pyaar nahi karte Anirudh Tum Kisi se pyaar kar hi nahin sakte hoon. Aisa nahi hai maine tumse pyaar nahin kiya. I did even if you forced me into the marriage but tumhara ego tumhara pride tumhara ghamand. Har baat pe tum mujhe dekhato hoon ki dekho meri kismat kitne achi hain ki tumne mujhe kitna kuch diya ki maine tumhe chun kar kitna acha decision liya hain. You made me a trophy Anirudh instead of cherishing our relationship you made me another one of your takeovers that you can flaunt and so I am done. I am done….” Mr Bose said and walked out while the scene flashed in front of Mr Bose and he moved her face away and Mr bajaj smiled looking at him. 

“12th december 1998” - The jury after hearing all the witnesses grants full custody of Menaka Bose to Mrs Anirudh Bose.” Mr Bajaj said, gesturing his hands as if hitting the hammer three times.  “But meri yeh samajh nahin aa raha ki phir Menaka aapke paas…. Kaise….. khud usne court main bola tha ki woh mumma ke saath rehna chahti hain. Oh!!! Mr Bose strikes again. Mrs Bose ko blackmail kiya aapne. Ki agar aap unhe Menaka ki custody nahin denge to aap unke lover ko aur unke honewale bache ko…..” Mr Bajaj stopped as he couldn't continue with this. 

“Tumhe kya lagta hian tumhare saath aisa nahin hoga.” Mr Bose said smiling bitterly. “Aur tumne bhi to yahin kira PRerna ke saath.” Mr Bose said, taking the cigar puff from his hands and putting it out but Mr Bajaj just smiled.

“You are kind of right. Great minds think alike.” Mr bajaj said drinking some water from the glass in front of him. 

“I must say you did the right thing. What???? you don't believe me!!!! Mr Bose !!! Please I  mean come on I genuinely feel that way.” Mr Bajaj said, putting a hand on his heart and giving a sarcastic salute. “kya urbringing ki aapne Menaka ki. Best schools, best brands, best drugs, heroine, best court cases of drunk driving, of stealing, of scams. You name it.” Mr Bose moved his gaze away.

“She was just a little wild and who isn't at her age. And I was there to protect her and take care of her. That's what parents do.You make them your priority you make them your happiness. You give them all their happiness. That is how it works. That is what parents do. They don't take care of other people’s children, don't miss their function, don't restrict them from having what they want. ” Mr Bose shouted and for the first time Mr Bajaj moved his face away.

“Kya hua Rishab bajaj ab kyun nazare hata rahin hoon. Apni glti dekhai de rahin hain. Nazar aa raha hian ki tumne uske liye kuch kiya hoon.Samajh aa gaya ki jo main kar sakta hoon tum nahin kar sakte uske liye” Mr Bose said carelessly.

“Main apni bachi ke liye kuch bhi kar sakta hoon. Kya maine isliye Prerna se shaadi nahi ki. Use force nahin kiya ki woh mujhse shaadi kare. Uski beti ko accept kiya sab kuch kiya. Sirf isliye ki Kukki ko woh pasand aa gayi thi. Ki Kukki use maa mane lagi thi. Aur aaj tak kar raha hoon. Jhel raha hoon Mr Basu ki family ko even if I hate them. Aur aap kehte hain maine kuch nahin kiya. Aapne aaj tak kukki ke liye kuch nahin kiya. Gayab ho gaye aap uski life se. Kahin nahin hain aap. Menaka hated you and Mrs Bose hated you. They both hated you the most and now Kukki hates you and you are telling me…. aap kuch kar sakte kuch bhi nahin” Mr Bajaj said

“Pichle kuch dino ki apni halat bhul aye hoon Rishi lagta hain. Tumhe aur kalyani ko scam main kisne phasaya. Aaj bhi jail main piss rahe hote agar woh Vaibhav ….. But it's not too late ab bhi tum phasoge… kitna waqt lagega us bewakoof ko gayab karne main aur sare evidence tumhari taraf karne main. Pehli bhi to kiya na” Mr Bose shouted and Mr Bajaj grabbed his collar acting as if he was scared. 

“Haan shayad us bewakoof ke saath aap kuch karle lekin yeh jo kal aapne kaand kiya hain na usse nahin bach payenge.” Mr Bajaj shouted, acting flustered and Mr Bose falling into the trap  carelessly started laughing. 

“Oh come on Rishi. I had made a fool proof plan. Jin logo ne short circuit karwaya woh tumhe kabhi nahin milenge they are already underground. Rahi baat us recording ki come on Rishi I can handle that. Plus jab tumhare so called Affair ke charche chapenge to ……” Mr Bose smiled and Mr Bajaj punched him. Mr Bose started laughing

“Tum kache khiladi hoon rishi. Maine pura fool proof plan banaya tha. Bas maine tumhari us Saba ko underestimate kiya. Aur woh bhi kuch nahin kar pati bas tum logo ki kismat achi thi. Agar sab kuch mere plan ke hisaab se jata to tum wahan apni so called wife ko us Mr Basu ki baho main dekhte aur Yahan kukki bilkul akeli aag main. Tum sab kuch kho dete Rishi sab kuch. Aur sab kuch theek ja raha tha par pehle woh super duper idiot Mr Basu dont know why i involved him aur phir woh Saba. Isse pehli ki main woh short circuit rukwata blast ho gaya and all. But I dont care and I dont give a damn agar mujhe yeh sab kuch phir se karna pade to main karunga.” Mr Bose shouted

“Mr Bose Dont you dare” Mr Bajaj shouted in anger

“I dont care if Saba died if that protected my daughter. Did you hear me?” Mr Bose Shouted

“Mr Bose!!!!” Mr Bajaj again shouted, acting angered.

“Main phir se tumhe us scam main phas aaoonga main phir se tumhe aur Kalyani ko badnaam karunga main phir se short circuit karunga if that saves my daughter. I will do it all again. I will do it all again . I will……. I will….. ”  And with that he threw Mr Bajaj on the floor and started punching him like a mad person on a rampage. After a while he got tired and kicked Mr Bajaj with his legs. When he was completely exhausted Mr Bose grabbed Mr Bajaj by the collar and made him sit up forcing Mr Bajaj to look at him. 

“I…. I thought….. of you as a….. son. I always…. always…. thought of you as a son. In a way I was trying to protect you. Can't you see Rishi??? Can’t you see???. Prerna girls like her they never forgive they never forget no matter what you give them. Main tumhe bacha raha hoon Rishi.  I was trying to protect you Warnaa…. Mujhe dekh raha tha ki tumhare aur Kukki ka bhi wahin haal honewala hain jo mera aur Menaka ka. Hosh mein aao Rishi ``Mr Bose said to his utter surprise Mr Bajaj smiled. 

“Nahin hoga Mr Bose. nahin hoga. Kyunki Prerna mere liye koi trophy nahin hain. She is a beautiful gift that is to be cherished. And even after giving her everything if she still wants to go back then she is not worthed it. She was never worthed.” Mr bajaj said and Mr Bose punched him. 

“Nahin hoga mere saath aisa Because I don't need to protect Kukki. She protects me; she protects me from being you. She loves me not because I always gave her the best of everything but because I cherish the happiness of giving her those things, I share the happiness of having those things with her. I don't care where she goes because she will always come back home. I don't care if she falls, if she loses I will pick her up she will pick herself up. I will teach her that. Because that is what parents are supposed to do '' Mr Bajaj said and Mr Bose punched him again.

“Shut up!!! Just shut up!!!” Mr Bose shouted and was about to punch again when Rishab in a swift moment got up and pushed him to the nearest wall. 

“Mere saath woh kabhi nahin hoga jo aapke saath hua kyunki main aap nahin hoon mr Bose. I …… am……. Not…. you” and grabbing his collar pushed him into the next wall. 

“I …… am……. Not…. you” Mr Bajaj shouted leaving Mr Bose and then leaned into the next wall. 

“Aapki ego ne aapki pride ne aapko Mrs Bose se door kar diya. Aapke Menaka ko apne saath rakhne ke obsession ne Menaka ka yeh haal kar diya. Aur uski keemat kahi na kahi maine chukayi meri bachi ne chukayi. Do you even know how many people wish they could get a second chance? How many?? You got it on a silver platter in the form of Miss Sarkar. She truly loved you and you too then why??? Agar aapne accept kiya hota aaj aapka ek family hoti.Tushar have you even seen him??? He is a wonderful boy. Agar aapne Kukki ko pane ke obsession ko mujhse jeetne ke obsession ko bada nahin banne diya hota aapko ek puri family milti with beautiful grandkids all around but no you chose this.You choose this loneliness Mr Bose.” Mr Bajaj replied 

“Haan hain that is all I have my loneliness and that is what I will give you. Dekh lena tum. .” Mr Bose kept on shouting and was again about to him when the cops entered the room and body bound Mr Bose. Mr Bajaj just smiled

“I don't know about you but I did think of you as a father. I wanted to save you from this loneliness but after what you did you are dead to me. You are dead to me. Goodbye Mr Bose and thank you kyon ki kahi na kahi aap nahin hote to aaj mujhe zindagi main yeh sab kuch nahin milta. So thank you. Thank You Mr Bose and we are done. Take him away.” Mr Bose kept on shouting while cops took him away, Mr Bajaj had recorded the entire conversation and finally justice will be served to Saba to Miss Sarkar and maybe to Mrs Bose and Menaka as well. 

It was almost now 12 days to the fire. Vishaka was grief stricken but she had proved to be Saba’a daughter and was putting on a very brave face. Prerna and Mr Bajaj knew they had to make some decisions. Many lives were depending on them. Sneha and Kukki would be discharged soon. They cannot leave Vishaka alone in the house and they all cannot keep juggling between hospital and Saba’s house. So one by one they picked up the pieces and planned ahead. 

First Mr Bajaj asked Mr Mehra to look for an apartment for now as he didn't want any press near them. An apartment was much more discreet and safe. Prerna would go buy all the essentials as it would be needed once they shift into the apartment. Vishaka would move in with them for now. Mr Mehra has already started the legalities regarding making Prerna and Mr Bajaj as Vishaka’s guardians and for adoption. Mr Bajaj and Prerna went to the hospital today to find Kalyani Sarkar and Tushar who had come to meet Kukki and Sneha. Tushar was playing with Kukki and made a drawing on her plaster. Miss Sarkar was the one who suggested that they should stay with them. It might be cramped but instead of going to a completely new apartment it will be much better if they all moved into a place which was already a home. As it is, Miss Sarkar would be leaving in a few days as her visa was all cleared. And regarding the press Mr Bajaj had already put more than enough security there. It is the best option. The way she insisted Mr Bajaj and Prerna were not able to say no. The Bajaj family with Vishaka shifted into the bungalow the same day. 

It was nighttime. Kukki, Sneha and Vishaka were all sleeping in one room. Mr Bajaj came home and checked on them. She then went into the room where he was staying with Prerna. He came into the room and again stared at the file - Komolika Choubey in his hands and knew he was about to have a long night. He went inside the washroom and came out to find Prerna serving a plate for him from the trolley. They ate together after many days. Mr Bajaj was silent while Prerna kept updating him about their girls. Once done Prerna went about her chores that she would do before sleep when Mr Bajaj broached the subject.

“Mujhe aapse kuch baat karni hain.” Mr Bajaj said. Prerna, surprised, just came and sat on the bed in front of him.

“Komolika choubey phir se kafi active ho gayi hain. Hamare competitors se hamare rival se she is… she is trying to plan her attack to harm us. I am guessing it is because of Sneha’s truth coming out in the open. Mr Basu being what he is, it's not helping. ” Mr Bajaj said, trying to be careful with his words. Mr Bajaj had expected tears, anxiety and restlessness but Prerna gave him nothing but just a clean face. 

“What do we need to do?” Prerna asked

“Basus cannot do anything. Unka house unka business all is under her. UNke liye komolika ko apni life se nikalna possible nahin hain filhaal. I dont think woh nikalna bhi chahte hain. So…..”Mr Bajaj tried explaining.“Komolika ke father Mr chaubey he is our best bet. We force him to handle his daughter or else his career goes down the drain.” Mr bajaj said and Prerna nodded.

“Jo aapko sahi lage. Hamari family ke liye uski safety ke liye hamare liye.” Prerna said and started getting ready to sleep surprising Mr Bajaj. After sometime Mr Bajaj joined her in bed. He went very close and whispered  

“Hey !!! Agar aap chahti hain I can find a middle way” Mr Bajaj tried to say but Prerna turned around and put a finger on his lips. 

“Aapko jo sahi lage woh. Aur ……. Aur…….. Please aaj aur koi baat nahin kuch bhi nahin bas just let me sleep in your arms. Let me have this moment Rishab. We have got these few minutes after a longtime please just ....” Prerna said, taking Mr Bajaj’s face in her hands. 

“Okay!!!! Okay!!!!!” Mr Bajaj replied and did nothing but engulf her in his warm embrace and started saying beautiful notes in her ears just like he used to do when she was pregnant with Sneha one hand below her head and another on her belly while she slept peacefully. 

Next day Prerna had gone to buy all the essentials that the kids would need. It took her almost half a day for Kukki Sneha herself and Mr Bajaj’s clothes. She had then moved on to get some toys for Sneha and school books for Kukki when she bumped into someone and found herself staring at Anurag. She was about to walk away when she heard

“Sneha kaisi hain??” Anurag asked. But prerna without saying anything decided to walk away. 

“Woh meri bhi beti hain” Anurag barked

“Bata sakte hoon duniye ke samne” PRerna asked

“Yeh kya tumhare woh Mr Mehra aur tum sab log mujhse kehte rehte hoon bata sakte hoon duniye ke samne. Tumhari kya izzat reh jayegi."Anurag asked 

"Meri izzat tum already utaar chuke hoon. Aur kuch baaki hain." Prerna replied back.

"You don't understand agar maine....Agar maine bataya to komolika….” Anurag replied

“Woh abhi janti hain Anurag. Woh abhi bhi janti aur jis tarah tum baar baar Sneha se milne ki koshish karte hoon use bina bataye aur hamari life main involve hone ki koshish karte hoon isse to Komolika ke andar ka pyaar jaag jaata hain na??? I don't get it Anurag kya socha tha tumne kya soch rahin the tum. Tumne jo kuch bhi court main kiya use tumhari mahanata maan kar main tumhari bahon main sama jaogi. Thank you thank you and sorry keh kar we will make up. Seriously????? Aur chalo maan lete hain ki main kolaghat main tumhe bol deti ki main tumse pyaar karti hoon phir tum kya karte. Chod sakte komolika ko. Stand le pate??? Mere liye Sneha ke liye. Protect kar pate hum logo ko usse ” Prerna replied.

"Tumhare Mr Bajaj ne bada protect kar liye tumhe Mr Bose se" Anurag replied back.

"I don't need to explain anything to you." Prerna replied for him 

“I am doing the best I can.” Anurag replied

“No Anurag you are not. You are not. You have deliberately thrown yourself in a pit. Apne pagalpan main apne mujhe pane ke obsession main. Is baat ki reasoning khojne main ki why don't I love you anymore. Aur usme tumne sabko barbaad kar diya. Do kastiyo main sawaar nahin hua jata Anurag. Agar komolika ko apni life main rakhna hain to Sneha se door raho aur ya phir use apni life se nikalo.” Prerna replied back

“Kyun tumhare Mr bajaj to bada keh rahi the ki Aankh utha kar dekhe woh Sneha ki taraaf. Ab kya hua?? Sari himmat chali gayi?” Anurag mocked at her. Prerna smiled and replied

“Anurag hum sab jante hain ki Volcano kabhi na kabhi fatha hain lekin agar koi jaan much kar uske samne rahe jab woh phute ya phutnawala hoon tab bhi uske samne kadha rahe aur apne charo aur aag lagte hue dekhe to use himmat nahin pagalpan aur bewakoofi kehte hain.” Prerna replied and Anurag's smile left his face. 

“ Tum hamesha kehte hoon ki we are soulmates ki hum ek doosre ki kismat hain lekin Anurag kisi ki kismat nahin likhi hoti hain. Hamare action decide karte hain yeh. I truly wish that you find yours but until then and until Komolika is in your life stay away from my family. Main aur Mr Bajaj apni family ko protect kar sakte hain but there is no reason for us that we always stay near the volcano.” Prerna finished and walked away leaving a stunned and teary eyed Anurag. She had just reached a car when she received a call from Shivani.

“Hello Shivi. Maa kaise hain?? Sab theek hain na???” Prerna asked.

“Hume kya malum tu bata na kyunki hum logo to unse milne ki izzazat nahin hain” Shivi replied shouting. 

“Shivani kya bol rahi hain tu???” Prerna asked confused

“Natak mat kar di. Tune aur tere us Mr Bajaj ne kiya hain main sab jaanti hoon. Natak mar kar. Kal raat ko achanak upar wale vip ward main shift kar diya gaya Maa ko hume bola ki maintenance reasons hain aur ab we are not allowed to meet her until we get a permission from Mr or Mrs Bajaj. Kya nautanki hain yeh??” Shivani explained. Prerna sighed realising what must have happened and for a moment smiled as well. 

“Main aa rahin hoon” Prerna said and ignited the engine. She reached the hospital and went straight to the VIP floor where Shekhar bhaiya and Shivi were waiting at the door. The duo gave a hard stare that Prerna completely ignored and went ahead to talk to the nurse at the reception.

“Hi!!! Yeh mere bhai aur behen. Please next time inhe room main jana allow karde. If necessary provide them id as required. Aur next time agar kisi ko meri mother se milna hoon to mere bhaiya se puch le he will give the required information. Thank you.” Prerna clarified and the nurse started doing some paperwork and they all went towards Veena’s room. 

“Ek minute” Shivi stopped Prerna from going in. Prerna gave an expression as - “ you really want to do this”. Shivi relaxed.

“Unhe fire accident ke bare main nahin bataya hain humne so please …” Shivi said. Prerna was perplexed at her sister’s words.

 “Main kyun bataongi Shivi!!!! Mujhe bhi maa ki utni hi chinta hain jitni tujhe” Prerna replied.

“Aadat hain na tujhe hai bechari hai bechari ka raag alaapne ki. Hai bechari Anurag ne mere saath itna kuch kiya. Mere saath kitna galat hua. Mere family wale jalad hain mujhe milne nhain dete apni maa se. Hai bechari ghar main aag lag gayi lekin dekho to shoppin karti phir rahin hain. Pura din maa prerna prerna karti rehti hain aur …… aur unki beti ko dekho maje se shopping kar rahin hain. Haan of course Mrs Bajaj ka status quo maintain karna hoga na.” Shivi shouted and Prerna could hide her hurt on her face. But she was in no mood for any arguments. She went straight inside the room and found her mother sleeping peacefully. She went and caressed her mothers head and placed a fleeting kiss on her head. Prerna looked around the room and could see the detailing that Mr Bajaj had done to make sure that her mother was comfortable there. 

“Tu itni kaise badal gayi di. Kaun apna kaun paraaya kuch nazar nahin aata tujhe.  Kuch to soch di. Us Bechare Anurag ne itna kuch kiya hamare liye use is tarah Sneha se dur rakhte hue saram nahin aati tujhe.” Shivani continued. For the first time Prerna understood why Mr Bajaj never gives explanations to anyone. “What is the point? when they are always going to think what they want.” Prerna smiled thinking. Prerna understood the power of silence. Shivi kept her gibberish on while Prerna covered the blanket properly, took care of the window curtains, checked for the ac and called the nurses station to fill the jugs with water. She also gave some instructions regarding her food and what she likes and what she doesnt While the duo looked on. Then she took her bag and was about to leave when 

“Main apni maa ka khayal rakh sakta hoon. Apne paise jyada dekhane ki zaroorat nahin hai  tumhe. Please jakar inhe shift karne ko bol do. Main nahin chahta ki tum dono mere Maa ke paas raho aur unki tabiyat aur kharab hoon. Main unka khayal rakh sakta hoon shayad itni achi tarah se nahin par rakh sakta hoon. ” Shekhar said 

“Maa yahin rahengi. Aap decide kar lijiye ki aap unke saath rehna chahte hain ya nahin” Prerna replied sternly. Shekhar tried to say something but  “ And Don’t worry. Main aur Mr Bajaj nahin aayenge aaj ke baad. Kabhi bhi nahin” Prerna replied. She touched her mothers feet one last time and walked out of the door. She was holding the door knob when Shivani spat 

“Woh aadmi manipulate kar raha hain tujhe. Usne jaan muchke tujhe hum sabse dur kar diya. Kyun nahin dekhta tujhe jiski zindagi main bhi jaata hain sabki zindagi barbaad ho jati hain. Pachtayegi tu bahut pachtaigi. Doosro ko dukhi karke tu kabhi khush nahin rahegi di, dekh lena tu dekh lena. Tera aur tere us Mr Bajaj ka kabhi acha nahi hoga. '' Shivani said and Prerna walked out without even a glance backwards.  Prerna drove straight to Mr Bajaj’s office. The minute Mr Bajaj saw Prerna he dismissed everyone and ran outside. Prerna hugged Mr Bajaj right then and there while the staff started staring at them.  

“Prerna !!!! Prerna !!!!! Kya hua hain??? Kisi Ne kuch kaha aapse??? Haan kya hua?? Prerna!!!!” Mr Bajaj kept asking but after some seconds he realised that right now Prerna was not in a position to share so he just cocooned her in his warm embrace and took her from there. 

They were in the car going home when “Rishab???” Prerna said and then stopped. Mr Bajaj looked at Prerna and realised what she was trying to say.

“Are you sure you can handle it???” Mr Bajaj asked and Prerna just nodded. Mr Bajaj moved the car towards the burned down Bajaj Mansion. For the first time Mr Bajaj and Prerna saw the actual damages to the house. There was nothing but old burned walls and debris. Prerna stood on the position that was meant to be the main door and remembered the moment and suddenly the moment came alive. A beautiful giggling 5 year old Kukki stood on a stool and placed a tikka on her forehead and welcomed her into the house. Mr Bajaj, having remembered the same thing, came and stood next to her. Just like that day he held Prerna’s hands and they went inside together. Both started laughing.

 Mr Bajaj moved to the left where there used to be a piano and remembered the moment 

                                                                                       “    papa kehte hain bada naam karegi,

                                                                         Beti hamari aisa kaam karegi         "

When his angel had sung those words, when he had heard her voice for the first time and as the moment came alive he kneeled down in front of Piano. Prerna let him be and moved to the position where she had shared her first dance with Mr Bajaj.

                                                                 Dhoond Hi Loge Mujhe Tum Har Jagah ,Ab To Mujh Ko Khabar Hai

                                                        Ho Gaya Hun Tera Jab Se Main Hawa Mein Hoon Tera Asar Hai

                                                        Tere Paas Hoon, Ehsaas Mein, Main Yaad Mein Teri

                                                             Tera Thikana Ban Gaya Ab Saans Mein Meri

As the moment went alive she turned around and bumped into Mr Bajaj and was  about to fall on the bricks but was saved by Mr Bajaj who smiled. Then he remembered the moment when Mrs bajaj had made her first deal with him and since that day she had literally owned him. Unknowingly their hands engulfed and Mr Bajaj caressed his mothers ring that was on Prerna’s finger. As if she understood Prerna hugged him and they stood like that for a longtime. 

“I love you Rishab. I love you too more than anything.” Prerna whispered and Mr Bajaj hugged her tightly.

After sometime they found some stable rocks to sit on and very carefully Prerna and Mr Bajaj sat on them. Mr Bajaj shifted the hair from Prerna face behind her ears, caressing her cheeks and made him look at her.

“Kya hua??? Haan???” Mr Bajaj asked

“Shivani ka call aaya tha hospital se” Prerna replied and Mr Bajaj nodded taking her in his embrace and started rubbing her arms and kissing her forehead. 

“Aapki mom theek hain maine aaj hi doctor se baat ki. She is stable.” Mr Bajaj said and Prerna nodded. 

“I Know. Aap hain sab theek hoga. I know” Prerna replied. “Aaj aaj pehli meri samajh main aa raha hain ki galat na hone ke bawjood log aapko galat samajhte hai to kaisa lagta hain. Pehli baar samajh main aa raha hain ki sometimes not giving explanations is the correct way. We did the best Rishab we did the best with what we got with whatever life gave us, we tried to do what we felt was right. Just because that is not what somebody else wants just because it was wrong for somebody else our right doesn't matter, we don't deserve happiness. We are not worthy of happiness. Hamari mehnat hamari struggles hamare choices ki koi value nahin kuch bhi nahin. Ek baar unhone nahin pocha Sneha kaise hain Kukki kaise hain. Main pregnant hoon main kaise hoon. Kuch nahin. Hamra dukh what we're going through what Vishaka Kukki all are going through kisiko nahin dekhta.  Whether it was with Sneha with a.. With my family  sab ke liye hum kaise galat ho gaye Rishab.” Prerna said

“Ssssshhhhhh…… itna mat sochiye” Mr Bajaj said 

“Nahin sochna chahti hoon par bura lagta hain. Har roz main yeh soch kar apne aap ko koshti hoon ki kash main us din function main chali gayi hoti kaash main ghar hi nahin aati wahin rehti kukki ke paas. Ek  galti ek choti si galti aur hamari life main itna bada toofan aa gaya.” Prerna said

“Prerna agar woh nahin hota to kuch aur reason hota. Mr Bose already apni ray bana chuke the. Hum kisi aur ki soch nahin badal sakte isliye koshish mat kijiye dhyan mat dijiye.” Mr Bajaj tried to make her understand.

“Kaise na sochu Rishab!!!! Dekhiye hamare charo taraf. Dekhiye humara ghar 5 years rishab 5 years this was… birthdays, anniversaries, Sneha’s first step, running around behind her, Kukki, Kukki’s first words her first speech, her madness, our…. our room… our” Prerna couldn't continue and Mr Bajaj gave her an eskimo kiss and smiled at her.

“humara pyaar….” Mr Bajaj said, making Prerna smile. 

“Humari fights” Prerna said

“Aapka trust in every situation...…..” Mr Bajaj said

“Aapki care in every situation…” Prerna said 

“Aapke challenges…...” Mr Bajaj said laughing

“Aapki first defeat….. .” Prerna said laughing but Mr Bajaj grabbed her tightly  and dipped her face into her neck. 

“Sab ….. sab…….Kuch chala gaya.” Prerna couldn't continue

“Sab yahin hain sab kuch aur yahin rahega.” Mr Bajaj said “Main samajhta hoon aap kaisa feel kar rahin hain. Main to khud har roz apne aapko blame karta hoon. Agar maine Mr Bose ko invite nahin kiya hota. Lekin phir sochta hoon ki shayad ye sab hona tha so that we can move on from our past. Mine and yours. Mr Basu ko kabhi na kabhi to pata chalna tha acha hain now he cannot blame us for keeping Sneha away. Nitya…. It was needed Prerna it was needed so that we can get over our fears and insecurities. But I wish by God I wish that it did not involve Saba Vishaka Kalyaniji and Tushar.” Mr Bajaj said moving his face away

“Aap nahin jante the yeh hoga.” Prerna said, turning his face towards her. 

“Aap bhi nahin janti thi yeh hoga” Mr Bajaj said and both of them stayed like this for sometime. 

“I am worried about the girls.” PRerna said 

“I know. So am I. But we are there and we will take care of everything. Okay.” Mr Bajaj

“And Vishaka will have everything that Saba wanted for her; we will make sure of that.” Prerna added and Mr Bajaj nodded.

“We will be okay. That is how it works. We fall we get up and we move on” Mr Bajaj said 

“Together. I Love you” Prerna and Mr Bajaj said together. 

N.B - With this Chapter the Journey comes to an end. It has been an amazing roller coaster ride. I will be posting one last chapter more like last chapter and Epilogue. This ff helped to make all my Prerish dreams to come true. It will always be special to me. Thank you all for reading for making it special and for just being there.