Chapter 17 – Altered Reality
After the breakfast was complete, Sarthak had excused himself from the gathering as he had to call the minister to inform about Kalyani’s return. The minister was happy that she was found but considering her medical condition, he had no choice but to revoke her DM status. But he also promised that Kalyani was going to be placed on medical leave for the time being and based on the progress of her recovery, she was going to be assigned somewhere within the state administrative services. Sarthak was relieved to hear that.
The rest of the family had now moved their conversation to the foyer. Kalyani and Virat were sitting on the same couch while Malhar had planted himself between them much to the annoyance of Anupriya. She decided to have word with him later regarding his behaviour and headed in to make coffee for everyone. Malhar knew that Virat was a Good Samaritan and that his intentions were genuine. But the policeman in him and his prior experience with Rachit, contradicted his blind belief and urged him to gather more information. He wanted to be sure Virat was not having any ill intentions towards his Kalyani so he kept conversing with Virat.
During their conversation, Virat revealed that he was planning on branching out in Aurangabad and that infact he was actually exploring property listings, the day he had rescued Kalyani. Kalyani enthusiastically expressed how Virat wanted establish a charitable hospital in Aurangabad that would provide the best medical care to the poor. Everyone including Malhar was truly impressed with Virat’s nobility. Virat also mentioned that he would soon move to Aurangabad to get things started. Kalyani was ecstatic that her friend was going to be in Aurangabad. Malhar who was witnessing her excitement was just burning with jealousy. When Virat showed the image of the house that he was planning to lease in Aurangabad for the duration of his stay, Malhar was unwittingly relieved thinking that Virat would at least live away from Kalyani while he was here.
But Kalyani immediately looked at her mother and asked, “Aai can Virat stay with us until his hospital work is complete? please please”. Anupriya agreed in heart beat as she was more than pleased to help the man who had saved her daughter. Kalyani was overjoyed, she looked at Virat and said, “Listen mister, I am not taking no for an answer. You are staying with us while you are here and that’s an order”. Although Virat was a little hesitant to accept their invite at first, Kalyani’s cute insistence convinced him. He said to her, “There’s no winning with you” and agreed to come live with them which made Kalyani very happy. Malhar on the other hand was annoyed as his worst nightmare was coming into reality. He knew that Kalyani only considered Virat as a friend but he just couldn’t help himself. Kalyani noticed his irritation and asked him if he was ok. Malhar quickly calmed down and assured her that he was fine.
Virat then decided to leave for Mumbai as he had a lot of errands to run before moving to Aurangabad. He bid adieu to everyone and Kalyani walked him to his car. Once he had left, all Kalyani wanted to do was talk to her mother and get some answers. Anupriya was preparing herself for the same and noticing her nervousness, Sarthak promised to accompany her. Kalyani was curiously waiting for her mother in her bedroom. She was confused when she saw Sarthak join them but she maintained her composure and requested her mother to spill the beans. Anupriya recounted the entire story as they had decided earlier and finally introduced Sarthak as her husband. Kalyani was completely shell shocked for a moment, she stood frozen in an attempt to digest all the things that had happened with her family while she was gone. Anupriya became worried thinking about Kalyani’s condition. Kalyani was disheartened to hear about her family’s separation, Sampada’s betrayal and the death of her beloved grandfather. It was more than what she had expected. Slowly Malhar’s earlier behaviour and his strange demeanour began making sense to her. Tears were rolling down Kalyani’s cheeks continuously and she hugged her mother for comfort. Anupriya and Sarthak tried to console her and calm her down but she requested to be left alone as she needed some time to process all this. Sarthak sympathised with her and left with Anupriya.
A couple of hours had gone by and Kalyani still hadn’t come out of her room. Everyone was now worried thinking that their plan might have backfired and didn’t know what to do next. Malhar wanted to be with his Kalyani at this time but he knew that Anupriya would be against it. Sarthak understood Malhar’s desire and signalled him to go to Kalyani. He also assured him that he would keep Anupriya away from Kalyani’s room until then. Malhar thanked Sarthak and hurried to Kalyani’s bedroom.
In Kalyani’s bedroom:
Kalyani was lying on her bed with her face buried in the pillow. She was mourning the loss of her grandfather but Sampada’s betrayal was filling her with regret the most. She was cursing herself for helping the woman who was cheating on her husband. She was ashamed to even show her face to Malhar. The man who had always helped her was wronged so terribly by his own wife and the thought that she had unknowingly helped Sampada abandon him was adding to her guilt.
Malhar noticed that her room was not locked, so he slowly entered her room and sat on the bed beside Kalyani. Kalyani who was lost in her thoughts didn’t even notice his arrival so he cleared his throat hoping to get her attention. Kalyani quickly realised his presence and sat up. Her eyes were red and swollen from all the crying. His heart sank seeing her weep but he composed himself. But even before he could say something, Kalyani hugged him tightly and begged for his forgiveness, she said, “I’m so sorry Malharji, I had no clue that Sampada and Atharv were in cahoots all along. I never meant to hurt you and I’m so sorry that this happened to you. If I had reached out to you earlier, then this would have never happened to you, I’m so sorry Malhar”. Malhar hugged her back in an attempt to comfort her. He was sad to see her whimper but he also considered it as an opportunity to re-write his past. This time around he wanted to acknowledge her innocence in the situation and comfort her. He was also elated to be hugging his Kalyani after such a long time.
Kalyani soon realised that she was hugging him and nudged him back in embarrassment. He realised her discomfort and sat back. He then lovingly held Kalyani’s face in his hands while wiping her tears. He looked her in the eyes and reassured her that he didn’t blame her for any of it and that he was ok. Kalyani felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of her shoulders and she smiled back at him. He also convinced her that things had actually happened for the better, he now had Moksh whom he loved dearly in his life and he also made her realise that she should be celebrating the fact that her Aai had finally moved on in life.
How will Kalyani come to terms with her new reality? How will she re-build her bonds? Was she ever going realize how much Malhar loved her? Find out more in Chapter 18.
That’s it for today guy. Hope you all liked Chapter 17, please stay tuned for more and as always I am truly grateful for all your support. Please share your feedback on this chapter, your comments and likes give me the courage to keep going. Take Care and Stay Safe FAM.
Hui Ghum Yaadein
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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