Year 1990...
Happily married Aparna and Atul Dubey, were very much in love. They lived in Bhopal. Theirs was a love marriage. Atul lovingly called her Apu, while she called him Atu. Aparna was 25 and Atul around 29, when they were blessed with twin daughters, Aarti and Arpita. Aarti was full ten minutes older to Arpita. Their parents called them Aaru and Arpi.
Atul's parents were not happy with his love marriage. On top of that, giving birth to daughter that also twin daughters didn't go well with them. The atmosphere at home was always filled with tension with them taunting Aparna and the new born twins. When things started getting worse, Atul decided to move out. He was Chartered Accountant. He got a nice job in the city of Indore, which was some 200 kms from Bhopal.
Moving to an unknown city with two kids, who were barely two years old, was a very big decision. Since the job was a good one, plus the worsening situation at home, made them move to Indore. They rented a two bedroom apartment which was not far from his office.
It was their first day and they were busy unpacking when their doorbell rang. A couple with a little boy were standing at the door. They had come to welcome their new neighbors and had brought them dinner.
They introduced themselves. The man was Satyendra Dubey, his wife Shobha and their six years old son, Prashant. It was shocking for all of them that both family's last name was Dubey. Their hometown was same, Bhopal. Which was in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Satyendra and Shobha, both were Professors at different colleges.
Both couples were so amiable that within days they became very close. While all three kids became best of friends. Though Prashant was four years older to them, they became good friends.
Just like the twins, Prashant started calling Aparna, Mumma. Arpita was not able to say Shobha Ma properly, so she started calling her ShoMa, short for Shobha Ma. With her Aarti and Prashant too started calling Shobha, ShoMa. Satyendra was Baba and Atul, Papa for all three kids.
One day Shobha asked Aparna, "How can you tell apart between Aarti and Arpita? They are so identical that I'm never able to say who is who!"
Aparna laughed. "When we heard we will be having twins, even we were scared. Luckily, Aarti was born with a birthmark right above her chest. Which is not visible if she's clothed. Our real test was when they both were dressed. But if you look carefully, Aarti's hair is straight and silky while Arpita's hair is little wavy. As they are growing we are seeing more of their character traits that helps us identity who is who. I assure you, after spending some days with them, you will be able to identify them".
She was right. In few days Shobha too was able to identify who was who. She immediately fell in love with both girls. With each passing day the friendship between both families increased and the bond strengthened.
One day at a party, when all kids were busy playing, one woman, who was a common friend of both families, asked Aparna and Shobha why they are not planning for more kids.
Aparna smiled, "I'm happy with my girls. People say that you need a son who'll take care of you in your old age. We don't believe in that. We believe a child takes care of their parents, be it a son or a daughter. Prashant has filled the void of a son in our lives we don't need anymore kids".
"We feel the same". Said Shobha. "Aarti and Arpita are like our daughters. Our family is complete".
"The festival of Raksha-Bandhan is in few days. Does that mean that both girls will tie Rakhi on Prashant's wrist and make him their brother?" Asked the lady.
"We won't force any sort of relationship on our kids. They will decide what they want to call their relationship when they grow up. What if we plan to get them married and they look at each other like brother and sister? Or we now make them tie Rakhi and they fall in love after they grow Up?" Asked Shobha.
"That's why we want them to remain friends till they decide what they want to be. We will love them and support them in their decisions". Said Aparna.
Thus all three kids remained best friends till they grew up.
Where Arpita was naughty, Aarti was shy and introvert, especially around strangers or a new person. At least that's what the outside world thought of her. With her family and Arpita, Aarti was a totally different person. Both sisters became handful when together. Around Arpita, Aarti became the most naughtiest. Add Prashant to the mix and the trio were enough to bring the whole neighborhood on their toes.
Both sisters never needed any other friends as they were happy with each other. Their parents also never bothered to force them to make new friends. This went fine till they finished their first grade in school. In second grade, their teacher started noticing them.
They were bit possessive and protective of the other. One did the mistake and the other was ready to take the blame. Where Aarti was meek, Arpita was a total bully even at the age of seven. Whenever she got into trouble, Aarti took the blame on herself. Most of the times other students got confused as which twin did what as they were so identical.
One such incident was when a student complained to teacher that one of them pushed her. Teacher called Aarti and scolded her. Arpita came forward and said she was the one pushed the other student. Aarti said Arpita was lying and she did it. When teacher asked the student whether it was Aarti or Arpita who pushed her, poor girl got so confused that she started crying and both sisters escaped punishment.
When their parents were called and notified of this incident, they reached the conclusion that both sisters should be kept in separate classes. It was important for Aarti's character growth as she really needed to learn to interact with other students. It would only bring confidence in her and would make her more strong and independent.
Both sisters were put in different sections of same grade. They were not ready for it but after lots of coaxing and pacifying they reluctantly agreed. It took them time, but they adjusted. This continued till they reached fifth grade.
In Aarti's class there was this one girl who was bully and very mean. Aarti was scared of her most of the time but was too scared to complain. She only shared about this with Arpita, who then switched places with her without informing anyone as they were sure no one would approve of them and would not support them.
When the mean girl tried to bother Arpita thinking of her as Aarti, Arpita gave her back, scaring her instead. The mean girl was confused but couldn't identify that it was Arpita and not Aarti. In fact no one could differentiate between them.
Their uniforms were same. They had to tie their hair in two plaits. So it went unnoticed by their teachers or other students. Till one day Aarti's real class teacher wondered how come a quite and shy Aarti became talkative and a bully all of a sudden?
This time the Principal called their parents and after probing the twins admitted what they had been doing. Now the decision was made to put them in entirely different schools, which were far from each other. This was once again done for Aarti's good as she needed to look after and stand for herself. Principal said that Aarti needs to come out of the shadow of her sister and make her own identity and learn how to be vocal and expressive of her feelings.
Aparna and Atul agreed and found another school for Aarti. This didn't go well with the twins. Both cried hearing this.
It was Shobha who explained to them, "Every morning your father goes to office, you both go to school and your Mumma stays at home. Every morning the whole family gets separated but in the evening they all are united. Same way you both will be separated only for few hours, after that you'll be together". Once again they reluctantly agreed.
New school indeed turned out to be good for Aarti. Though she had started making friends, a part of her was still shy. She never indulged in any pranks. She stayed away from students who were troublemakers. Both sisters made lots of new friends in their respective schools but not close friends. They were each other's best friends and didn't need anyone else. Well except for Prashant.
A month before their Eleventh Birthday, the movie fanatic family was watching the Hindi movie, Chaalbaaz, which was a story of twin sisters. Both Aaru and Arpi got impressed with it. What they liked the most was all the confusion the twins in the movie created, wherever they went. Satyendra told them there were few more movies based on that theme. Like, Ram Aur Shyam, Seeta Aur Geeta. Even the English movie, The Parent Trap. They watched all movies.
Aparna had organized a small birthday party for them and had invited their classmates. Arpita got an idea. They only invited those girls who were not aware that they were twins. She and Aarti dressed differently. Different dress, different hairstyle, different shoes. It was hard to tell who was who.
When all invited girls arrived, and were sitting in the living room, Arpita first spend few minutes with them then went inside. Aarti immediately came out. She then spent some time with them, then went inside and Arpita immediately came out.
Those girls who didn't know they were twins got confused as how can someone change their dress and appearance in a second? Arpita told them that her parents knows magic and they can make her change clothes with a snap of a finger. They can even make a copy of her. Girls didn't believed her. Arpita then asked them to close their eyes. When they opened their eyes they came face to face with not one but two Arpitas.
One of the girls got so scared that she started crying. Aparna and Shobha, who were busy in kitchen, came running out. They then scolded Arpita and told the girls that Arpita and Aarti were twins. That night when they were all sitting for dinner, Atul and Satyendra were informed about the incident.
Both of them were sure that they would now get a nice scolding. To their shock and to their mothers also, both men burst into laughter.
"Atul... You should be scolding them and make them understand that what they did is wrong". Aparna got angry.
"Relax Apu, it was only a prank and nothing more. There's nothing wrong in it".
"To scare other kids and to make them cry is wrong...". She reminded.
"I agree. But at this age all children play pranks. Even we did. Given a chance, I'm sure we would also play such pranks. Let them enjoy their age. Once they grow up they too will get tangled in the pranks that life will play. Once we grow up, we forget about such naughty pranks. So let them enjoy their life as much as they can before they all grow up".
"He's got a point". Satyendra supported his friend. "Once in a while playing such pranks is okay. Prashant is too quiet and serious for his age. At least let the girls enjoy their adolescent years".
Aparna and Shobha gave up. Atul then said , "In those movies all twins had names that rhymed. Example, Anju and Manju, Seeta and Geeta, Ram and Shyam. But your names don't rhyme. Don't you think you too should have some nickname that rhymes?"
Girls got into thinking. Prashant said softly. "Apu and Atu would suit them".
"Hey those are my and Aparna's nicknames". Atul said.
"So what Papa? You call each other by that names only in front of us and that also when we are home. When we go out you call each other Atul and Aparna only". Arpita replied. "You can be Apu and Atu at home, we will be Apu and Atu outside our home". She suggested with a bright grin on her face.
"This way they will carry your name forward". Shobha teased. "Like in foreign countries where some people give their own name to their child".
"I still don't approve of it. What if their Horror Show indeed becomes a horror for them or others?" Aparna voiced her fear.
"I agree with Mumma". Said a Fifteen year old Prashant. "This is not a good idea".
"Always favoring your Apu Mumma, huh?" Laughed Atul. "Okay I'll explain them to be careful if they ever play this prank with anyone. But they can't live in fear that their actions will hurt someone. Fear makes one weak. Apu, I want my daughters to learn on their own what's good and what's wrong. Yes that girl cried today because of their prank, but their prank was harmless. With the fear of hurting someone, anyone, I don't want them to become weak. Today we are with them to help them and guide them. God forbid, tomorrow, if something happens to either of us or both of us, who will take care of them? The world don't hesitate to take advantage of a weak person. On top of that they are girls. I don't want anyone to take advantage of them in any way. Even if someone does, I want them to be strong enough to face them and face the situation. Fear of anything makes a person weak and my daughters are anything but weak".
Aparna too wanted her daughters to become strong and independent. But she still didn't liked this idea. Atul understood her concerns and explained to both girls the consequences if one goes overboard in playing pranks or tricking anyone in any way. They promised that they'd be careful and would only play such pranks in their presence and with their permission.
As promised they were careful while pranking someone. They named their prank, "Twin Horror Show". Which they played few times whenever they made any new friends. Prashant and his Aparna Mumma were still a bit skeptical but since no harm was ever done, they later ignored their concerns.
This continued till they turned Sixteen. They had passed their Twelfth Grade and were about to venture into college. Aparna was an artist who loved to paint. From her Aarti too developed this hobby. She learned painting from her mother. It was Aparna's dream to open a Art Gallery where she wanted to showcase her work and also teach Art and Painting to those who wanted to learn. Since Aarti too loved Art and Paintings, after finishing her 10th Grade, she decided to join Arts college and become a Graphic Designer and then help her mother open her Art Gallery.
Arpita, on the other hand, took after her father. She wanted to become an Chartered Accountant, just like her father. Atul and Arpita dreamed of opening their own Accounting Firm when she too becomes a C.A. So Arpita went for Commerce.
To open Art Gallery and the Accounting Firm, they needed lots of money. Atul started looking for new jobs that gave nice salary. He got one but it was in Pune, in Maharashtra. In another State. Which was far from Indore. They didn't want to leave Satyendra and Shobha but they needed this job to fulfill their dreams. So they moved to Pune.
Since Satyendra and Shobha both were Professors, Prashant too decided to become one. He had joined an Arts college right in Indore. It was Prashant's dream to do Ph.D. He wanted to become an Writer. Which needed lots of time and patience. He felt becoming a Teacher or a Professor was the best job for him, as it'll be less stressful. Plus he'll get plenty of time to dedicate in writing.
************************************
Year 2004...
The family of four reached Pune. Atul had got the job of General Manager in Finance Department, in M.A.G. - Mishra's Advertising Group. If not the Number One, then it was certainly amongst the Top Ten Advertising Firms in the country. Sindhia Visions's being Number One. M.A.G, was a Private Company. It's CEO was Sanjeev Mishra. He was the only son of M.A.G's Owner Narendra Mishra.
Atul was excited to get a job in one of the most reputed company. They found a rental apartment not very far from his office building. Aarti got admission in one of the top colleges for Arts and Arpita got in top Commerce college.
Students in Aarti's college were a bit snob. Aarti tried to maintain a good distance from them. She got acquainted with them but couldn't make good friends with any of them. She was friendly to all and loved to help or assist them whenever they needed her. That was as far as her friendship with any of them could go. Aarti loved to spend her free time in parks or other public places where she loved to study people or nature or any such things that inspired her to draw or paint.
In her college Arpita made lots of good friends. Whenever she made a new friend she didn't tell them about Aarti and then they used to play their T.H.S on that person. One of her friends was Mansi. She too was similar in nature like Arpita. Both of them instantly hit it off with each other and became good friends.
One day Arpita took her home to introduce her to her family, as planned before, both sisters played their 'Twin Horror Show (T.H.S)' with Mansi also. Instead of crying she started laughing. Turned out, she genuinely loved and enjoyed the show. And loved the bonding of both sisters. She became good friends with Aarti also.
Arpita enjoyed her time with her new friends. She loved to party with them but always stayed in her limits. She never attended any party without informing her parents. Mansi was there with her in almost every party. Aarti never liked partying. Most of the times she avoided going to them. Once in while, Arpita attended them in place of Aarti, as Aarti. They knew everything about each other's friends. From their names to their faces. So to mingle with Aarti's friends wasn't much of a difficult task for Arpita.
After growing also the resemblance between them was uncanny as they were so identical. They changed their appearance according to their personality. Aarti liked to dress in traditional Indian attire, like salwar suits or long Kurti's on jeans. Arpita liked to try all types of dresses. From jeans to skirts to salwar suits. Where Aarti grew her hair long, just few inches below shoulder length, Arpita kept them at shoulder length. Most of the time Aarti kept her hair tied in a bun, or a pony or single plait. Arpita mostly kept her hair open. When they had to play their T.H.S, that time Arpita too tied her hair in the same style as Aarti did. Thus no one could differentiate between them. And thus Arpita could attend parties in Aarti's place as Aarti.
Once again Aparna never approved of it. Once again Atul supported his daughters saying he wanted them to enjoy their life and become independent and self confident.
Mumbai city was only some 150 kms from Pune. Every month, on any one weekend. Atul took them for a tour of Mumbai city. They used to take train or bus on Friday evening and returned back on Sunday evenings. They fell in love with the fast life, various varieties of exotic and authentic, local and different cuisine. Traveling in local trains and eating fast food from small vendors on the street was their most favorite activity.
With Atul busy in his new job and girls busy with their college life, Aparna started missing Shobha as she now had lots of free time in her hands. She started to paint again for which she rarely got time whilst in Indore.
Atul, on the other hand was happy and satisfied with his new job. He never got the chance to meet the CEO Mr. Sanjeev Mishra. Whenever there was something important to discuss or present, he met Sanjeev's Private Assistant, Mr. Harish Verma. Harish was few years older than Atul.
Where Atul was friendly and helpful, Harish was bit rude, shrewd and reserved. He wasn't much liked by other employees but since he was Sanjeev Mishra's right hand man, no one dared to speak against him. Up until few years back he was a nobody in the company. He was working on a lower position, and then suddenly he started getting one promotion after another till he became Sanjeev's most trusted man. There were many rumors surrounding how he got to this position, but Atul wasn't interested in any of them. He loved his work. And was honest, loyal and dedicated in everything that he did.
After some 7-8 months, since they moved to Pune, Satyendra- Shobha decided to pay them a visit as they both had holidays in their colleges. Plus Prashant too had few holidays.
Arpita came to Aarti, "Aaru lets play our T.H.S on Prashant. It has been ages".
"When we were in Indore you tried to play it so many times on him, he never fell for it. What makes you think he'll fall for it this time?"
"This time will be different because we have grown up now and have become more expert in it. Plus it has been so many months since he last saw us. He won't recognize us".
Aarti shook her head. "Trust me, he will recognize you immediately like he always does. But still if you want to give it one more try, then go ahead by all means".
And Arpita did. The day they were arriving, she wore Aarti's dress which Prashant had gifted her before they were leaving for Pune. He had gifted both sisters dresses of their taste and style. Arpita wore it and styled her hair like Aarti did. She made Aarti wear her dress that Prashant had gifted and asked her to leave her hair open. Aarti reluctantly did it.
When Prashant came, Arpita came out of kitchen and spoke in Aarti's style, "Shant I've made your favorite dish. Please taste it and tell me how it is?" She presented a small bowl in front of him.
He tasted it. "Hmm... It's delicious like always. Tell Aarti that I'm very hungry and this small bowl won't be sufficient for me".
Arpita stood there gaping at him. "How did you...? I mean how can you be so sure that I'm not Aarti?"
He smiled, "Because you are you and she's she. I'd recognize both of you with my eyes closed. You may look identical but there's so much difference in both of you".
"Like what? She too can be as naughty as I am. She too can play pranks on others flawlessly. Then how can you tell us apart?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "She may be naughty, she may play pranks, but there's this shyness on her face, in her eyes. Whereas your eyes are filled with naughtiness. She is just... She's just different that's all I can say".
He went to look for Aarti, who was in her room. While a sad Arpita watched his retreating form. She went in the kitchen.
Their mothers were watching the whole thing. Aparna took Shobha in one corner. "Did you see that? Arpita was so hearbroken when Prashant spoke so fondly of Aarti. She is in love with Prashant...".
"While Prashant is in love with Aarti". Shobha finished for her. "Apu I really want to make either one of them my Bahu, but not at the expense of breaking the other ones heart".
"We don't know if Aarti is also in love with Prashant or not. Aarti and Arpita are still very young to figure out their feelings. Maybe what Arpita feels is just infatuation. First let them figure out what exactly they feel then we will be there for them to guide them and support them".
On the other side, Mansi who was also present, went after Arpita. "You love him don't you?" She asked at which Arpita remained quite and continued with her work. "Does Aarti knows about it? Why don't you talk with her? Maybe she don't feel the way he feels about her!".
"What will I tell her when I myself am not sure about how I feel? I don't know if she loves him or not! We are not even Seventeen. Prashant is not even 21. Right now We all should be concentrating on our studies. When I still feel the same after couple of years, I'll share my feelings with her. Till then it's better that she doesn't know about it". And she never got a chance to share her feelings with Aarti. Neither did Aarti learned about it.
After the three Dubeys left, life continued the same way it was before their arrival. Girls got busy with their colleges. Atul with his work. Aparna with her paintings. They all were happy in their own little world.
But it's said that sometimes happiness doesn't lasts for long. The small family had no idea about the storm that was about to enter their lives and would ruin and destroy their whole world. Aarti became the first victim of this storm...
Year 2006...
The girls were few months away from celebrating their 18th Birthday...
There was this girl in Aarti's college, Nishita Verma. She was famous as Nishi. She was one year senior to Aarti. If rumors were to be believed, then Nishi was sort of famous for sleeping around with lots of boys, even some professors. When she had joined this college she was very poor. Barely had 2-3 dresses. Now she wore expensive dresses and accessories. And always traveled in someone's or others cars.
Once the college committee decided to take action against her, but they didn't had any proof. Plus the head of the committee was one the men on whom Nishi had done lots of personal favors. So no action was taken against her.
There was once this party organized by one of the students. As always Aarti didn't want to go, but that girl forced her, so she went. But soon she regretted her decision. Every other girl was busy with their boyfriends. Aarti was feeling so out of place, so she decided to leave early.
She was leaving when she bumped into someone. She looked at the person, apologized and left. But not before leaving a deep impact on that person.
He was Aakash... Aakash Mishra, known as Akki. Son of Sanjeev Mishra. He was around 19. He was studying in Delhi and was visiting his family in Pune. He personally knew Nishi, so was attending this party as her date.
He had seen Aarti sitting in one corner and she caught his attention. He immediately took a liking at Aarti and asked Nishi about her. She promised him that she'll introduce him to her next week in college. And she did. Next Monday she asked Aakash to come to her college. During the lunch breaks, most students loved to have their lunch in the huge campus of the college. Aarti too loved to have her lunch there as it used to give her time and ideas to work on her drawings and paintings.
That day also, when many students were having lunch on the campus, Aakash came to Aarti. "Hi! I'm Aakash. I saw you at the party the other evening and liked you. I'm interested in you. Would you like to go out with me?"
Aarti was shocked and baffled at his behavior. She got up from her place. "I'm sorry but I'm not interested in you".
She started walking, he followed her and blocked her path. "I'm very rich and pretty girls like you should never reject proposals from rich boys like us. Come with me on one date and I promise you I'll make it a memorable one for you. I'll make it worth your while".
Aarti shot him a disgusted look and turned and started walking in the other direction, when he grabbed her wrist. "You are making a big mistake my dear by rejecting me".
She was now fuming with anger at his audacity. She turned and slapped him hard. "How dare you touch me?"
"How dare you slapped me?" He was now angry too.
"I dared to slap you because you crossed your line".
"Oh come on Aarti!". Nishita intervened. "All he did was ask you out. You could have turned him down politely. Instead you slapped him. And what is wrong in him that you are rejecting him and refusing to go out with him?"
"Not all girls are like you Nishi who won't hesitate to go out with anyone and everyone. Some girls like us have still got their dignity and know how to keep it intact".
"My my my, the meek Aarti has suddenly got a tongue today". Taunted Nishi.
"I may me silent most of the times, but when it comes to my dignity and my respect I won't keep quiet. I may look weak, but I am strong enough to stand against goons like him". She pointed at Aakash.
He rubbed his cheek. "I promise you, I'll make you pay for this. I'll make you pay big time". He threatened her.
"You will rue the day when you cross my path again". She stormed from there. Leaving a fuming Aakash behind. "I swear I'll make her pay...". He was still rubbing his cheek.
Nishi took him in one corner and tried to make him calm down. "Now is not the time to do anything. The whole college saw you going after her. If you do anything to her, they will become her witness and you'll be the one who'll land in big trouble".
"But I can't sit idle. I'll have to do something to take my Vengeance...".
"We will take Our Vengeance. She not only slapped and insulted you, but she insulted me. She dared to insult Nishi. Trust me, when the time comes I'll help you to show her her real place. But till then we will have to lay low and keep quiet". She managed to calm him down and convince him.
Though Aarti had stood up against him, she was still trembling terribly when she reached home. Aparna got scared to see her in such condition. Aarti narrated her the whole incident.
"Tell me the name of this guy and I'll...". An angry Arpita demanded.
Atul stopped her. "You will do no such thing. Aarti took care of him. I'm sure he won't dare to trouble her again. Besides she said that he's not from her college and she had never seen him before. If he's smart enough, he won't dare to enter the premises as almost every student has had witnessed the incident. If he does something or anything, he himself will land in trouble...".
"I think Atul is right". Said Aparna hugging Aarti. "Atul we have made our daughters strong. They can now face any challenge in life. We are so proud of you Aarti. Arpita had always been a strong girl. We used to be so worried about you. Today you've freed us from all our worries by standing up for yourself. We are sure that now you'll face any storm that comes in your way with same strength and dignity...".
The Second victim of the approaching storm was Atul...
The day came when he finally met Sanjeev Mishra. At first meeting Atul was highly impressed with him. Sanjeev was highly ambitious and competitive. His parents had opened this Advertising Firm and he was determined to take it to the top. Their biggest rival was Sindhia Visions and Sanjeev would do anything to beat them.
One day he asked Atul about his family. Atul told him about his wife and daughters and how they all had dreams of opening Art Gallery and Accounting Firm. Sanjeev asked, "How far are you willing to go to achieve and fulfill your dreams?"
"As far as is possible for me". Atul had replied. "We have saved quite a considerable amount. But the way prices are going up and competitions are increasing, we will have to make more savings".
Sanjeev didn't say anything just looked at Harish. They exchanged a look which didn't go unnoticed by Atul, but he couldn't figure out what it was about till couple of weeks later when Sanjeev called him in his cabin.
After Atul entered, Harish closed the door and asked Atul to take a sit. Sanjeev was already in his chair as he was waiting for Atul. "Mr. Atul we are very impressed with your work. You are very ambitious and hardworking. You have got the same fighting spirit that I've got. We are very similar in nature when it comes to our family. We won't hesitate to go to any extent to stand and fight for our family...".
Though Sanjeev was praising him, Atul felt that there was some hidden agenda in his words. Sanjeev sensed his discomfiture. "Okay I'll come to the point. I have a perfect job offer for you. I trust you since you've been loyal to me and this company. You'll get twice the pay. In few years you won't have to worry about saving for your dreams and your daughters future".
"What is the job?" He asked.
Sanjeev told him and gave details of the job. Color drained from Atul's face. A sweat appeared. He sat there not knowing what to say and how to say. Finally he mustered some courage. "I need time to think as I've never done something like this before".
Sanjeev nodded. "I understand. But don't take too much time to think or else you'll lose this golden opportunity".
Atul went home and was quite and aloof the whole evening. Aparna sensed it but didn't say anything in front of the girls. Both sisters were busy planning on the trip on which Aarti was to go in couple of days.
It was a Workshop for all Arts students around the country. This workshop was held in the city of Ooty, in the state of Tamil Nadu. It was a rare opportunity for any student as only couple of students were selected from any participating college. From Aarti's college Aarti was selected. They had to select one more student who's name was still being considered by the authorities.
Turned out that Nishi was selected. She had called Aakash to give him the news. "What did I tell you Akki? That the head of the committee is in my pockets. I did some favor to him and in return he's announce my name to go for this workshop. Guess who the second person is?"
"The tone of your voice says that it's none other than Aarti Dubey.
"You got that right. Start packing. We have to go to Ooty to take Our Vengeance on Ms. Aarti Dubey".
Unaware of this, Aarti was excited for this trip. When both sisters were busy discussing, Aparna went in her bedroom where Atul was sitting lost deep in his thoughts. She asked him what was bothering him. Since he never hid anything from her, he told her about the conversation with Sanjeev. This time Aparna's face turned white. "But Atul that's wrong and unethical...".
"I know that dear. But I think now I'm stuck. If I say yes then I'll lose my ethics and my conscience. If I say no then I'll lose my job and maybe so much more".
"What are you going to do?"
"I've asked time from them. Let Aarti go on this trip then we will think about what to do...". They were still busy talking when Arpita came running, "Mumma-Papa, come fast, Aarti is suddenly not feeling well".
Aarti was shivering. She had high fever. They made her sleep on her bed and tended to her all night. But her fever was not reducing. They took her to the doctor who did some tests. Turned out, she had Typhoid. Doctor advised to admit her in the hospital as she needed proper care and treatment. She was hospitalized.
That day Atul didn't go to office. He called Harish and informed him about Aarti's condition. Next day, when she was feeling bit better, she started crying as now because of this she would miss her trip to Ooty. She was looking forward to it, as few of her favorite Painters and Artists were attending the workshop and were to give lectures and special trainings to participating students.
On top of that it was in Ooty which was surrounded by natural beauty. Tall mountains and tea gardens, it was the perfect place and location for any artist to explore and work on their talents. Missing this trip would mean missing all this plus missing the lectures, trainings and seminars from those famous Personalities. Aarti was heartbroken.
Arpita couldn't see her in this condition. She decided she'll attend it in place of Aarti, disguised as Aarti. Aarti didn't agree with her. Arpita tried to convince her. "Aaru no one will recognize me. I'll attend lectures and seminars in your place and then when I return, I'll give you all the details".
"What do you know about Art and Paintings? What if someone asks you to draw something, anything, what would you do then? Plus I don't think Mumma-Papa will allow you to go in my place".
"I'll convince them. If someone asks me to paint something, I'll make a excuse that I have hurt my wrist and am not allowed to draw anything or even write anything. I'll use a recorder or the recorder on my mobile phone to record all the lectures, seminars and major events for you. This way you won't miss out on a single thing".
Aarti was bit convinced but bit scared also. She knew her parents won't agree. Arpita talked with her parents, when they all were present in Aarti's hospital room. Aparna didn't agree. "What is this nonsense? Do you even know the gravity of this stupidity? If you are caught, Aarti will be thrown out of her college. Not only her career but her whole life will be ruined".
Before Arpita could say a word, Atul spoke. "Let her go. I liked what she said. She will handle it carefully".
Aparna wanted to protest, but one look at her husbands face and she knew there was some major reason for him to agree this soon and this easily. Even Aarti sensed it. In front of her Atul made the excuse that he was worried about her health. But when they were alone, he told Aparna, "It's good that she won't be at home cause the next few days will be filled with tension. With Aaru being in the hospital, I can make the excuse of taking few days off. It'll buy me some time to think what I should do".
And they allowed Arpita to attend the workshop in Ooty. She left the next morning. She was gone for three days. After she left, Atul was pacing in trepidation in his room. He had to go to office to ask for leave and still had no idea what to say or do about Sanjeev's proposal. When he reached office, Sanjeev called for him. "How's your daughter?"
"She is a bit better. Thank you for asking. Sir, I need little more time as right now taking care of her is my number one priority".
"I can give you few more days to think it over". That's all he said. He gave him couple of days off.
That evening when he went home Aparna was waiting for him. Aarti was feeling a bit better. Also Mansi was with her, so they forced Aparna to go home and rest for a while as Aparna was up all night taking care of Aarti in the hospital. Reluctantly Aparna went home where her husband was waiting for her.
"Apu, for some reason I'm scared. I am getting negative vibes".
"Why don't you talk with Satyendra and take his advice?" She suggested. "We can ask them to come over. Even I need my best friend right now".
When Atul called and asked them to come over, Satyendra sensed apprehensiveness and a fear in his voice. He thought it was related to Aarti's health. When he asked about it, Atul said, "No it's not Aarti. It's related to my work and my boss. I can't discuss this on the phone as it's something serious". Satyendra told him that he was busy for the next two days. But he'll leave for Pune the moment he finishes those work.
After talking with him, Satyendra told his wife, "Shobha for the first time I've sensed fear in Atul's voice. Whatever it is, it's killing him from the inside. We will have to go there as soon as we can, before it's too late...".
They both knew that the next two days will be hard for them as they won't be able to reach out to their friends in their time of need before those two days...
In two-three days Arpita was to return from her trip. That same day Atul had to return to his office. With each passing second his anxiety and fear kept increasing...
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