Year 1981...
This was the year when Suraj married Gayatri. Suraj was 21 and she was only 19. He had seen her at some function and had liked her. Her father was a rich man so Uday immediately agreed for this alliance.
Right after her engagement with Suraj, Gayatri and Maya immediately became best friends. Both were of the same age, Nineteen years old. Where Maya had become timid due to her upbringing, Gayatri was smart and sensible and quite mature for her age. She was born to parents with liberal and modern mindset. Her father, Gautam was M.P (Member of Parliament) of Pune. His wife, Kumud was a famous social worker. Alliance in that family meant more power to Sindhia's. Plus she too was an only child to her parents. Hence Uday agreed for it. But he had several conditions, Gayatri won't study further and would live by all rules and regulations of Sindhia family.
Gayatri knew what kind of family she was getting married into, but she too had fallen in love with Suraj, so she had agreed despite her parents reservations. She convinced them with Suraj on her side, she'd face any situation. Her parents knew that their daughter, when once made her mind won't listen to anyone. They had to give in for their only daughters happiness and Gayatri and Suraj got married.
She gave up her studies for her love but when she saw that Maya was being forced to give up her studies and marry a man ten years older than her, it didn't go well with her. Harsh reality hit her when she saw that no one dared to go against Uday and his rules. Gayatri wanted to help Maya but she had no help from her husband or anyone else.
She got an idea. She had a cousin brother, Manav. They both were as close as real brother and sister. His parents too were liberal and of modern thinking. They had met Maya during Gayatri's wedding and had liked her. Gayatri met with Manav and his parents and made a plan.
At the pretext of some work, Manav came and stayed with Sindhia's for couple of days. Maya's simplicity made him fall in love with her. Within a week he sent his parents with marriage proposal for Maya. They too were rich, so Uday agreed with this alliance also., rejecting the alliance with the older man. Within a month Maya got married to Manav.
Manav was doing M.B.B.S and was planning to go abroad for his further studies. He desired to become a surgeon. He and his parents gave Maya permission to study further and peruse a career. Uday went livid for he didn't want his daughter to study further. But now she was a member of another family and he had no right to stop her from doing anything as now she had her husband's and his parents support.
By now Gayatri was five months pregnant. Suraj's mother Geeta came to her and gave her a small box. Gayatri opened it and saw two wristlets made of gold with small black colored beads on them, one large and one small in size. Then there were two wristlets made of red colored thread, which was a sacred thread. These threads too had small black colored beads. They were also in two sizes. Geeta tied both the large ones on Gayatri's wrist. "When I was pregnant both times, my mother-in-law also tied these wristlet on my wrist. But they were made of sacred threads and not of gold. Suraj's father thinks that now that we can afford them, you should wear gold ones. This is to protect you and your child. I have tied you one. The small one will be tied to your baby which will be removed when the baby is one year old. The black colored beads are to keep you both of you away from all evil eyes".
"Is this so that I give birth to a boy, an heir?" Gayatri couldn't stop herself from asking.
"As per Suraj's father these are for an heir. The gold ones are from him. The thread ones are for our family's age old tradition. These threads are tied to keep the mother and the baby safe from all evil eyes and protect them and bless with good health. For me it doesn't matter if it's a boy or a girl. I just want all of you to be happy and healthy. But the kind of life that Urmila and Maya had in this house, I pray to God that no girl should be born in this family. So yes these wristlets are so that you can give birth to healthy boy, not a girl".
"Maya is married and happy now. I hope that if I have a daughter, I will be able to give her the same respect and love that I will give to my son". Gayatri said looking at the wristlets.
Geeta nodded and then thanked her, leaving Gayatri surprised. Geeta smiled. "I know it was you who planned to get Maya married to Manav and fulfill her dreams. But I'm sorry that for this family you had to forsake your own dreams and desires. Being a mother I couldn't help my children and being a mother-in-law I can't help you with anything". Geeta was now crying.
Gayatri hugged her. "As long as I've got your and your sons love I'm happy and content". Suraj, who was listening to their conversation, knew very well that no woman could be happy in this family. With the fear of what his father had done and could do to his mother Geeta, his aunt Urmila and his sister Maya and now Gayatri also, he remained quiet and never opposed his father. Knowing his wife, he knew she would always find a way to get what she wanted... Well at least many a times, if not all.
Another example was, despite being so rich, Uday didn't like to keep any servants or cook. He wanted women of the house to do all the cooking and cleaning. As according to him, that's what their job was. Cooking was fine, but cleaning such a huge house, especially when she was five months pregnant, was becoming difficult for Gayatri. She got an idea and called her parents.
As per plan, her mother send few social workers to collect donations from Uday Sindhia. Precisely at that time, Gayatri began dusting the living room. Couple of women taunted and commented that being rich, they are stingy to hire servants. Image conscious Uday, had to hire a whole lot of servants the very next day. One of them was 15 years old Ram Dulare, who became Gayatri's sidekick.
Year 1982...
This year, Urmila's son Sanjeev got married to Hema, daughter of one of the rivals of Uday Sindhia.
Same year, that is in 1982, Pankaj was born to Suraj and Gayatri. First grandson of Uday and next Heir of the Sindhia's.
"Pankaj Pratap Sindhia...?" Lying on her hospital bed, Gayatri looked at her one day old son and then stared at her husband. "Who keeps such an old fashioned name for their child? That also their firstborn!"
Suraj shrugged his shoulders, not knowing what to say. Maya, who was enjoying their banter along with her husband Manav, and was trying so hard to control her laughter, came to her brothers aid. "It was BabuJi who came up with this name. As usual Suraj Bhaiya couldn't go against his decision". She teased.
"Yeah! Like you and Gayatri or even Ma can go against him". Suraj retorted, at which Maya's face fell down. He immediately realized his folly, as he knew what all his sister had faced while growing up in that house.
Gayatri tried to lighten the atmosphere. "I loved the name Pankaj, but I'm warning you, I don't want him to have such a big name. As it is I'm living with a man with such a humongous name, Suraj Pratap Sindhia. Didn't anyone ever made fun of your name whilst in school or college?"
Suraj sighed, "Yes they did!". He then took his baby in his arms. "I agree with you Gayatri. I also don't want my son to be ridiculed or made fun of, his whole life. But I don't know how to convince BabuJi to change his decision!".
"I know a way". Gayatri's eyes lit up and she told them what could be done. They all agreed.
That evening when Uday came to check on his grandson, he heard nurses whispering and making fun of Pankaj's name. Suraj had paid them to do so. It angered Uday as he couldn't stand his heir being made fun of.
Gathering his courage, Suraj said, "BabuJi, when I was in school and college, even I was made fun of because of my name. I don't think you would want your grandson to face the same humiliation that I had faced!"
Humiliation... This word was enough for Uday to change Pankaj's name from Pankaj Pratap Sindhia to Pankaj Sindhia. That night Suraj hugged and thanked his wife. "With you as their mother, I know our kids won't have to face what Maya and I faced growing up in that house".
Year 1984...
This was the year when Urmila's first grandson, Sanjeev and Hema's firstborn, Vikas was born.
And same year Yash was born to Suraj and Gayatri. Once again Gayatri was given two sets of wristlets to wear.
Same year Maya gave birth to Aman. She had finished her studies few months back. They never went for second child as they were happy and content with their son, Aman.
Soon after Aman's birth, Manav left for London as he got admission in one of the prestigious medical colleges of London. When Aman was six months old, Maya too left for London. Gayatri became lonely as she missed her best friend and also her brother. They had lived in same city and rarely met, but they always tried to stay in touch. Now with them gone, Gayatri became lonely. She spent all her time taking care of her kids and her home.
Year 1987...
Gayatri's third pregnancy was an accidental pregnancy. This was the year when Prateek was born. By now Pankaj was Five and Yash was Three. All three boys were each given the Lockets with their initials on them.
Same year, in Mishra House, Aakash was born to Sanjeev and Hema.
Few years later Manav and Maya returned to India as Manav wanted to open his own practice in Pune. He had become a Surgeon. To set his foot in this city as a Doctor, he first started working in one of the top hospitals of the city.
Yash and Aman became best friends. Pankaj, Yash, Aman and Vikas all went to same school. All were cousins but Vikas was told not to keep any contact with his other cousins. It became difficult for kids to avoid each other as they were unaware of the feud going on between both families. An year later, Vikas was moved to another school.
In Sindhia house, women were allowed to wear only saris and had to cover their head. Uday never allowed Geeta or Gayatri to go to tailor to get their blouses or petticoats stitched. He opined, "Tailors touch woman inappropriately in the name of taking their measurements". So Geeta and the Gayatri were forced to learn stitching and sewing their own clothes.
Gayatri sometimes loved to draw sketches of models in western or even Indian clothes with modern outlook. She kept them hidden from everyone. Till one day Pankaj's eyes fell on them. By now he was Ten years old. Pankaj used to watch in awe those sketches. He was old enough to not to talk about this in front of Uday for they all knew about his rage.
Slowly he started developing interest in fashion. He was not at all interested in the business of advertising. With his mother, Pankaj too started making sketches of different styles of outfits and attires. When Uday accidentally learned about it, he was angry. He warned Gayatri to teach Pankaj to follow the family traditions or the consequences won't be good.
On the other side, Yash was more than enthusiastic to watch his father and grandfather work on those advertisements that they showed on TV or magazines or one could see on the huge billboards of the city. He wanted to work with them when he grew up.
Finally, in Yash, Uday found his future heir. He himself started training Yash at such an tender age. He taught him the importance of Sindhia's Visions and its value in their lives. He also told him that it was his dream to always see Sindhia's Visions (SV) on the top.
Prateek being the youngest, was Uday's most favorite. Prateek got all the leverage to do whatever he wanted to do in his life. Uday pampered and spoilt Prateek to no limit. Only Prateek was allowed to call Uday as Dadu, for the rest of the world he was BabuJi.
All there boys were poles apart in nature.
Pankaj was quite and observant and bit shy and introvert in nature. He knew Uday's controlling and dominating and manipulating nature. He kept quiet because his parents never raised their voices or opinions against Uday. Also they had given strict instructions to all kids to never go against Uday. Whenever he saw or heard or noticed things that hurt or upset him, he immersed himself in designing sketches. He was least interested in their family business. He dreamed of opening his own Fashion House.
Yash was very passionate and possessive in whatever he did. Just like Uday, he too wanted to see Sindhia's Visions on the top. SV was and always had been on the top. Still Yash dreamed of taking it to new heights. He too was not ignorant of his grandfathers behavior. Most of the times he kept quiet but when he couldn't bear some things he was not afraid to open his mouth and voice his opinion, no matter what the consequences was. Since Uday had high expectations from him to take over Sindhia's Visions, he tried to keep Yash away from his affairs.
Prateek on the other hand was carefree, careless and a completely spoiled child, for he was his grandfathers favorite.
All three of them were of different nature. The one thing they had in common was their love for their parents and each other.
On the other side, at Mishra House...
Urmila noticed that Aakash was hyper, impulsive and very short tempered child. While Vikas was smart and clever. Urmila and Sanjeev decided to send Aakash to Boarding School as his teachers used to complain every day for his conduct in school. They wanted to keep him away from the world, especially from Sindhia's.
Sanjeev was always eager and looked for ways to insult and humiliate Uday and Suraj. Urmila taught him that the best way to bring down an enemy was to attack them where it hurt them the most. Uday's weakness was his grandsons, especially Yash and Prateek. Urmila told Sanjeev that in the long run, if they manage to destroy even one, or both of his favorites, their Vengeance would be complete.
Sanjeev's wife Hema once questioned them that how can they be this Vengeful against their whole family? Urmila said that the relationship died when she lost her husband in that car accident. She had become so blind with vengeance that she neglected Sanjeev's various liaisons with women all around the town. When Hema objected, she was silenced by both mother and son with the threat of Sanjeev divorcing her. Those days divorce was a big social stigma on any woman. She knew even her own parents won't take her back if Sanjeev threw her out, so Hema had to keep quiet. She also could never raise her voice against them.
With passing years the feud between both families kept increasing.
Here the boys were growing in young men. All three brothers, along with Aman, were turning into handsome young men like their father and grandfather.
Year 1996...
Pankaj had turned Fourteen and Yash and Aman, Twelve, when one day during some charity event at some local orphanage, Maya met a young and ambitious orphan girl. She was Vidhi. She was also Twelve years old. Same age as Yash and Aman.
Maya immediately fell in love with her. She talked with Manav about adopting Vidhi. He and his parents agreed. As expected, Uday created a huge scene. There was no way he was going to allow his daughter to adopt an orphan child who's blood and lineage was not known to anyone.
Manav was not afraid of him. "BabuJi this is our personal matter. We have every right to make whatever decisions we want to take. No one has any right to interfere in our family matters". He said as politely as he could.
Adoption proceedings began. Everything was near finalizing when one day a woman came to meet Maya and Manav. Matron introduced her as Vidhi's Maasi, Asha, sister of Vidhi's mother, Uma. Both sisters had got married in the same family. Asha's husband was younger brother of Vidhi's father.
She told them that Vidhi's mother, Uma, died of cancer when Vidhi was seven years old. Her father loved Uma so much that he couldn't bear the shock of Uma's death and took into drinking and became an alcoholic. His family didn't want to take on Vidhi's burden. At the age of Eight, Vidhi was sent to a orphanage. Asha objected but her husband scolded her and silenced her. All Asha could do was helplessly watch Vidhi going to the orphanage. Couple of years later Vidhi's father also passed away due to excessive drinking.
Manav asked Asha if she was there to take Vidhi with her. She said even if she wanted to, she could never take her as her whole family was against it. She had asked the Matron to inform her whenever anyone comes to adopt Vidhi, as she wanted to make sure that whoever wanted to adopt her, must be aware that Vidhi came from a respectable family. At least they were, till her mother contracted cancer. That she was not from a bad blood or an illegitimate child. She also informed that if Vidhi's fathers side of the family ever learned that she was going into an rich and influential family, they will try to come back into her life as they were money hungry people. Asha was happy that Vidhi was going into a loving and caring family. She wanted to always stay in touch with her, but was scared of her family so she promised them that she will never contact them again. She gave Maya and Manav, details of Vidhi's parents and left from there.
Maya and Manav decided to not reveal this to anyone that Vidhi's mother died of cancer and her father was an alcoholic, as they feared that Uday will create another drama. They made Vidhi promise not to talk about her parents. As it is her parents image was fading from Vidhi's mind, she never mentioned that she knew who her parents were.
Adoption happened and Vidhi legally became their daughter and Aman's sister. Just like Aman, she started calling Maya and Manav as Mumma and Papa. Uday was so against this adoption that he stopped talking to Maya. He couldn't sever ties with her as he had to prevent his image from getting ruined. But he never spoke to Maya again for she had gone against his order.
Uday's wife, Geeta couldn't take it and suffered a sever stroke. She was admitted to the hospital. Maya felt guilty and held herself responsible. When Uday was not around she went to meet her mother and cried.
"Don't blame yourself for my condition". Geeta somehow managed to speak. "With great difficulty and after facing so much, you have got a loving husband and kids. Enjoy your life with them. Live every moment to the fullest. If you are happy I'll be at peace".
Just then Uday and Suraj walked in the room. Uday's anger knew no bounds when he saw Maya and Manav in there, along with Vidhi. He started taunting Vidhi. Poor girl hid behind Maya's back. When Uday taunted Vidhi of being a bad blood or an illegitimate child, Manav lost his temper and told him that they know who her parents were. They lied to Uday that they died in an accident.
Uday said that he will make an announcement in newspapers that Vidhi hailed from an known family. Hearing this everyone panicked as they didn't want Uday to learn about how Vidhi's parents had died. This time, Suraj tried to think of how Gayatri would have reacted in this situation. He now know what to do. He said, "BabuJi, if we do that, people are still not going to believe us and will think we are lying. On top of that they will start to do their own investigation and who knows what not will get printed in the newspapers. People may also point fingers at you that you let this adoption happened because you knew about her parents. Right now the whole world think that this adoption happened because of your kind heart. Once the real story comes out, your image will get changed. It may get tarnished!".
This was enough to stop Uday from going to the media. He still didn't forgive Manav and Maya, but they were allowed to return home as his daughter and her husband. That night Geeta called both Suraj and Maya. She made them promise that no matter what happens in life, they will never leave each other's side and won't ruin their relationship like Uday and Urmila did. Both brother and sister made that promise.
A day later Geeta died. Gayatri, Maya and Suraj mourned her the most. Maya never forget her words and vowed to live and enjoy her life to the fullest. After adopting Vidhi, now their family was complete.
An year later, Manav got an offer from one of the top surgeons in London to come and assist him. It was his dream and he didn't want to let go of this opportunity. They had to move as soon as was possible for them.
Aman didn't want to go with them as he wanted to finish his studies in India and he didn't want to leave his cousin brothers as, before Vidhi's adoption, he didn't had any other siblings. If Aman was not going then Vidhi too didn't want to go. They both stayed back with Manav's parents in Pune.
Before leaving, Manav and Maya, made sure that Vidhi got admission in Aman and Yash's school. In Vidhi they got a sister and all three of them became best of friends.
Few months later, one day Yash brought Vidhi home. She had some sketch pad in her hand, which she dropped. Gayatri picked it up and saw beautiful sketches in it. Turned out that Vidhi too was interested in fashion designing and wanted to become a fashion designer, just like Pankaj. Since that day, she became Pankaj's friend also.
Gayatri also immediately fell in love with this simple and yet quite ambitious girl. She always wanted a daughter. She found one in Vidhi. She was afraid to say this to anyone with the fear of Uday. Vidhi only came to Sindhia Mansion when Uday was not around, as she was scared of him, ever since she witnessed his anger in Geeta's hospital room. Gayatri always made her favorite dishes. A special bond formed between the two of them.
Year - 2002...
As they grew up, Pankaj, who was now twenty, had started to fall for Vidhi, who was now eighteen. Just like her he too wanted to become a fashion designer. Gathering his courage he talked with his grandfather and told him what he desired to do. Uday's anger knew no bounds. "You want to become a Tailor and ruin the image and reputation of Sindhia's? I won't allow that. If you want to touch a woman's body in the name of taking their measurements, I'll bring you as many women as you want but I won't allow you to become a Tailor".
This time Pankaj stood firm in his decision. Yash too supported him and stood by his side. But Uday didn't budge. Gayatri expected Suraj to stand for his son. He didn't. He couldn't stand against his father. When she talked with Maya about it, Maya said, "Bhabhi I'm not defending him, but the images of our mother getting beaten up by our father and us almost losing her are still fresh in our minds. Bhaiya still blames himself for that incident. He would never want to see you or any of us going through the same situation, that's why he never opposes BabuJi".
Gayatri understood yet a part of her still wanted Suraj to take a stand for Pankaj. She wanted her son to pursue his dreams but was helpless and clueless as what she should and could do?
She remembered her parents. She asked Pankaj to make a design and asked her father to show it to one of the Top Designers. He liked it and submitted it in one of the contest. Pankaj's design won and was published on the cover page of few famous magazines, along with his picture and name. The title was, "Aspiring Fashion Designer, Pankaj Sindhia".
When Uday saw it, all hell broke loose. He was all ready to throw Pankaj out of the house had Yash not intervened and tried to make him see the advantage of Pankaj becoming a Fashion Designer. "Bhaiya becoming a Fashion Designer would only bring more name and fame for us. BabuJi, it will only make us more famous. Not to mention the profits that we will earn. Imagine SV designing and making Ads for Bhaiya's fashion house! The whole world won't stop praising the creative skills Sindhia's and their Visions".
Uday loved the idea. Thus Pankaj got the permission to follow and achieve his dreams. He soon got an prestigious award for Talented Young New Designer in Fashion Industry. For the time in his life, Uday was proud of Pankaj, for at the tender age of Twenty, he was now one of the most famous fashion designer in the country.
In all this an unexpected thing happened. Gayatri was on call with her father thanking him for helping Pankaj achieve his dreams when Uday heard their conversation. Once again he lost his temper. He forced Gayatri to swear on her kids that henceforth she would never call her parents for any such favors. She had no option but to swear on her kids.
But she was happy that she could help her son follow his dreams. At the young age of Twenty, he had opened his own fashion house and had become a very famous designer. Unknown to Uday, Vidhi helped Pankaj. Together they created many creations that became instantly famous.
Yash, Aman and Vidhi were all now Eighteen years old and Prateek was Fifteen. Where both elder brothers were busy making their future, Prateek was busy enjoying his life, with the blessings of Uday. Yash went to London to study further. Aman too went to join his parents as he too wanted to become a doctor. A love struck Vidhi, refused to go with them despite so much pleading from Maya and Manav, not to mention Yash and Aman also. Maya always felt guilty that she had made Vidhi her daughter but could never spend time with her as mother-daughter. On the other side she was happy that Gayatri was filling that void in Vidhi's life.
Couple of days before Yash was to leave for London, Prateek announced that he didn't want to study further. He wanted to learn acting as he wanted to become a movie star and a Model. Both Gayatri and Suraj became furious. He was only fifteen. But Uday gave him permission as Prateek was his most favorite. Now no one could object.
When Pankaj taunted that same Uday had objection of him becoming a fashion designer, Uday said that at least Prateek won't be stitching clothes for others. Plus according to him, Movie stars had great reputation.
Gayatri and Suraj tried to make Prateek understand to at least finish his studies. After that he can peruse any career that he wanted. That time Uday said education was not important. Even his father, Bhanu was an illiterate and whatever he studied, he studied after becoming rich and famous.
Tension increased in the house as Uday was not ready to listen to anyone. Yash thought of something. He asked, "BabuJi, Bhanu Bauji could never give any interviews. It was you who always gave interviews or attended seminars and meetings. Why?" When Uday didn't answer, he said, "That's because he knew his lack of proper education would make him self conscious and people will ridicule him. Do you want the same to happen to Prateek? That he becomes a famous movie star but is not able to give any interviews, due to his lack of worldly knowledge?"
Uday got into thinking and Prateek was ordered to continue with his education. He was allowed to join an acting school, but after attending his college. Since he wanted to pursue his dream, Prateek had no choice but to listen to them.
Year - 2005...
Uday and Suraj had gone to Mumbai for some important meeting. In Sindhia Mansion, everyone were gathered in the living room, including Vidhi and Aman. Yash and Aman were on vacation. Yash, along with his studies, was now doing an internship at the most prestigious advertising firm of London. By now the whole family was aware of Pankaj's feelings for Vidhi. Well except for Uday!
"Bhaiya do you really love Vidhi? I mean really?" Yash asked.
"Of course I do!" Pankaj was losing his patience. "If I don't marry her then I'll stay unmarried all my life".
"Vidhi do you love Bhaiya?" Yash asked Vidhi. In her answer, tears started flowing her eyes. "I'll die without him!" She managed to say. Yash shook his head in exasperation. "You girls are always so gullible. A guy professes his love and you hand over your everything to him, including your life!".
"Yash don't make fun of her sentiments". Gayatri reprimanded him. "I wish I could help them. But I have sworn on all my kids that I won't call my parents and...".
"You have sworn that you won't call them for help, but you never said that they can't call you". Yash winked. "Neither did you sworn that you can't tell your kids what it is that is going on in your mind!"
Gayatri's face lit up. "You indeed are my brilliant child". She then told them what was going on in her mind and how could they all help Pankaj get married to Vidhi.
"Bhaiya, pack your bags. It's time for you to leave home and move in with Nanu and Nani (that's what they called Gayatri's parents)". Yash said and they all discussed how to execute the plan.
When Uday and Suraj returned, Pankaj went to them. "BabuJi is your decision final that you won't allow me to marry Vidhi?"
"You are still stuck where you are? I already gave you my orders. If you marry her, I'll throw you out of my home and my property". Uday nearly screamed.
"In that case, I'm leaving this house and I don't need a single penny from your property". Pankaj said picking up his small bag. "One more thing, Vidhi has sworn that she won't marry me till she gets the blessings of everyone from our family, especially yours, BabuJi. Which means, I'll never get married. Which means I'll never come back in this home". Saying this he left, leaving a shocked and then fuming Uday. But his ego didn't stop Pankaj.
Couple of days later (as per the plan), Gayatri's mother, Kumud send few women from the same orphanage, where Vidhi grew up. Those women had come to invite Uday in some charity function which was held in the orphanage. Many rich and elite people were invited in this charity event, along with media. This was a great opportunity to present a nice image in front of the world. So Uday agreed, as he was also invited as the chief guest for the event.
Yash had prepared Uday's speech. He trusted Yash so he didn't even bothered to check it and started reading it. In between the speech, Yash had added these lines, "We not only help these orphan kids with their school and education, but we guide them and help them with their college also. If need arises, we will help them with their marriage also".
A female journalist, who was Kumud's close friend and who were there at Kumud's behest, asked, "Mr. Sindhia, if in future, any of your grandsons, falls in love with any of the orphan girls, would you make her a member of your family?"
Uday stood there speechless, gaping at the journalists. Now other journalists also started asking the same. He had no answer. Yash leaned towards him and whispered, "BabuJi had you accepted Vidhi as Pankaj Bhaiya's life partner, today these very journalists and the whole world, would have started singing your praises".
It didn't took more than a second for Uday to think and act. "As a matter of fact, my eldest grandson, Pankaj is in love with this girl Vidhi, who grew up in this very orphanage. Who was then adopted by my own daughter and her husband. (He added this to throw more weight on his benevolence). Right after my speech, I was going to make a announcement that next week we are getting them officially engaged and as soon as a auspicious Mahurat is available they will get married".
Thus, in less than two months, Pankaj got married to his sweetheart, Vidhi. And Uday never learned how his own family tricked and fooled him to change his decision.
While sending out the wedding invitations, Manav ended up making a mistake. He searched for Asha's address and sent her an invitation. Asha managed to hide the invitation card from her husband and his family. But since then she was in constant touch with Manav. She never personally went to meet Vidhi, but Manav kept sending her pictures of Vidhi. From her marriage functions till the time she entered Sindhia Mansion.
When Vidhi entered the house, Uday put forward to her the same conditions that were put in front of Gayatri that henceforth Vidhi will follow all rules and regulations of the house and won't study further. Vidhi had got the family that she had always craved for, she happily agreed to his conditions.
When Yash addressed her as Vidhi, Uday shouted at him. "How can you address her by her name. Now she's married to your elder brother. From now on you must address her as Bhabhi".
"What?" Yash scoffed. "She's been my best friend ever since I met her. There's no way I'll call her Bhabhi".
This argument continued for days till Prateek came with an solution. "Why don't you call her ViBha? It'll be short for and combined name for Vidhi Bhabhi. This way you won't have to call her Bhabhi and Dadu will also be happy". Everyone liked this idea. From that day, in front of BabuJi Yash started calling her ViBha. But only in front of him. Rest of the time she was Vidhi for him.
Few days later there was another social event where Mishra's were also present. Everyone in the room could feel the tension between Uday and Urmila. When they finally came face to face, Uday tired to go past her. She scoffed, "Look, look look who's here! The man of the year who made a poor orphan girl his grandsons wife. Looks like no other girl was ready to marry him that's why they had to bring a girl from a orphanage with no family background".
Suraj got angry and was about to say something when Uday spoke, "Well we may not know about her family background but we definitely know the family background of your grandsons. Where are they? The whole world knows that your one grandson, Vikas, is a druggie and an alcoholic. No one knows where your other grandson, Aakash, is. What shameful things he had done that you have to keep him in hiding?"
Urmila and Sanjeev became livid. "Mind your language!" Sanjeev warned.
"It's your mother who should be minding her language. Being a woman she doesn't know how to behave in front of everyone". Uday scoffed.
By now a small crowd had gathered around them. Someone asked, "Isn't she your sister? How can you talk to your own sister in such a demeaning manner?"
"This is what she deserves". Uday shot angrily. "And she is not my sister. My sister died the day she started stealing from our own company and her own business by stealing our clients".
"Didn't her husband steal from you?" One of Uday's supporters spoke.
Uday's face turned red when he was reminded of that incident. "Yes he did. And she supported and helped him. She is nowhere related to Sindhia family. She is the wife of a thief. She is the mother of a womanizer and grandmother of a promiscuous man and a grandson whom they themselves are ashamed of that's why he never comes home".
"And what about your grandkids?" Sanjeev started to speak, when Uday, roared. "Don't include my grandsons. My grandsons are well behaved and well mannered and smart and intelligent men, who will make us proud one day...".
As the situation was getting out of control and people around them started enjoy their fight, Suraj finally intervened. "BabuJi, let's go from here. There is no point in wasting our time with such shallow people". He had to practically drag Uday from there, leaving behind a fuming Urmila and Sanjeev.
Next day the whole incident made the headline news in all top newspapers. Uday threw the papers and told everyone not to talk on this topic. He got angry at Suraj, "Had you not stopped me from making the announcement that this girl (he pointed at Vidhi, who was still scared of him), that this girl comes from a known family, I would have shut the mouth of that thief and her son, yesterday!" He kept on screaming till it was time to leave for office.
As soon as he and Suraj left for office, Gayatri sighed, "Here i daily keep praying that this feud ends and there it keeps on increasing. Wonder if it'll ever end! Whatever happened between them, could have been easily avoided".
"But Urmila's... I mean Mr. Mishra cheated in his company. I don't think BabuJi was wrong". Yash defended Uday.
"Yes he stole money but then BabuJi shouldn't have publicly humiliated them". Pankaj protested. "They could have solved the matter privately. Had they done that, none of that would have happened".
"Sorry Bhaiya but I don't agree with you". Yash shook his head. "BabuJi and his father built this company from scratch. They were poor and could hardly get two squares of meals every day. They had to struggle so much. They put their blood and soul in building Sindhia's Visions. It's natural for BabuJi to be possessive and protective of his company which was created by his hard-work. When you love something or someone with this passion, you'd go to any length to protect them. I know I would. I love this family, this business. If someone as much as raises their eyes or harms any member of this family or our business, I'll rip that person apart. No matter who that person is".
"Yash it's good to be protective and possessive towards something that's precious to you, but that protectiveness shouldn't cloud your judgement that you are not able to see from right or wrong". Said Gayatri.
"But Ma, I don't think BabuJi is wrong here. I'm sure there must've been more to this story then we know". Yash wondered.
"You are right about that. I have heard from Geeta Ma that Narendra... Ji... is not the only one stole that money, there was someone else who helped him". Gayatri thought it was time for them to learn the whole truth.
"Who?" Both Pankaj and Yash asked together.
"It was Urmila Bua!" Revealed Gayatri.
Both brothers were stunned. "Why would she do that?"
"It all started since they were kids. BabuJi was good looking, Urmila Bua was intelligent. One got praised for his looks. Other for her talent. Which made both of them envious of each other. Since she was a girl, Bua had to face all those restrictions. Since he was a boy, BabuJi was showered with love and got all the pampering. Bua always craved for a name in the business. She never got it. Though she worked hard to build this company, her name was never mentioned whenever we received any awards or any appreciations. Not even that locket that you all Sindhia men wear". Gayatri revealed more.
"So she started stealing from her own father and brother?" Asked Vidhi.
Gayatri nodded, "Yes she did. She helped her husband in embezzling. Together they stole many secrets and sold them to rivals. That's why when they started their own firm, those very rival companies helped them. I guess when she didn't got what she rightfully deserved, she got into stealing what she thought was hers!"
She shook her head, "I'm not defending BabuJi. We all know he is dominating, manipulating and chauvinist. He is a misogynist, but he was never a womanizer. We have heard rumors that Narendra had few affairs also. Don't know if Bua was aware of them or not. Whereas, BabuJi never loved Geeta Ma, but he never had an affair. May be he was too conscious of his image and was too busy building this company, that's why he never indulged in extra marital affairs. He has always been strict, but he has always been generous to his employees. Maybe it is for his own benefit. Who knows! Sad truth is, for the outside world, he is everything that he should have been for his own sister and his family. I don't blame only Urmila Bua, I blame BabuJi also. They both are equally responsible for all the mess that was created all those years back and for which your generation is now paying a heavy price for!"
She sighed. "Sadly none of them can see it and acknowledge it. Urmila Bua has become very bitter and very vengeful. Whenever anything goes wrong in her life, she blames BabuJi and this whole family for it. Many people say that she has become Vile, Vindictive and Vengeful. Some people make fun that just like the motto of our company is DDD (Determination, Dedication and Desire). It is rumored that the silent motto of that company is VVV, Vileness, Vindictiveness and Vengefulness".
"We all know that they can go to any length to bring this company, to bring us down, but I won't let that happen". Yash clenched his fists. "If they try to even harm this family or this company, I won't spare anyone". He got up and left from there.
"Pankaj, sometimes I worry about Yash. In his passion to protect this family and this company, what if he ends up doing something that he and all of us would end up regretting?" Gayatri shared her fear.
"Ma, he is smart and intelligent. He won't do any such thing. And, God forbid, if he does, then we are here to stop him or help him. But more than Yash, it's Prateek that I'm worried about. That boy is losing focus in life. Slowly we will have to start restricting him". Pankaj said.
Nothing happened. Yash went back to London. Prateek was busy with his acting school. He had taken admission in one of the tops colleges of Accounting, but never attended a single class. No one dared to complain as he was a Sindhia.
Prateek was very handsome. Definitely girls threw themselves at him. Uday told him that he can have as many girlfriends that he want, but he should never go after a girl who throws herself at him. He should be the one who selects the girl and then make her come to him. At the tender age of Nineteen, he already had few affairs.
Gayatri started forcing Suraj to put some restrictions on Prateek. He was never stern with him. This started to create a rift between her and Suraj.
Year. - 2006...
It was time for Pankaj and Vidhi's first wedding anniversary. She was now seven months pregnant. As per family tradition, Vidhi too we're going given similar wristlets that were given to Gayatri by Geeta during her pregnancy.
Luckily Yash had vacation for Ten to Twelve days. He came home to celebrate. He loved to touch Vidhi's protruding tummy and feel the baby kick. He had always been protective towards Vidhi, now he had become protective for this baby also. The whole family was planning a surprise baby-shower along with their first anniversary party.
Prateek learned that there was a Workshop for Arts and Leisure students, which was going to be held in the city of Ooty. Where some film stars and models are going to make an appearance on the final day. He was an Accounting student. But then he was also studying acting in one of the top Acting Schools in Pune. He decided to attend the workshop and asked Uday to arrange it for him. How could Uday not fulfill his grandsons wish? He made sure that Prateek attended it. After Pankaj and Vidhi's anniversary celebrations, Prateek, along with his current girlfriend Monica, left for the workshop. Little did he or the whole Sindhia family know that this trip, the next few days will change the whole life of each and every member of Sindhia Family...
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