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lovely update
loved abhira decision to fight for the dance academy and armaan should realise what his family is that only give conditional love
Fan Creations
lovely update
loved abhira decision to fight for the dance academy and armaan should realise what his family is that only give conditional love
This is just awesome....
Do continue sooooooooon
Waiting for the law suit on the Goenkas....
And everyone's reactions on the same....
Chapter Nineteen
“Kya main andar aa sakta hoon?” Armaan asked, softly knocking on Abir & Mishti's door.
“Armaan?” Mishti smiled, opening the door immediately. “Of course. Please, aao na!”
Armaan grinned, stepping inside. This was the first time he was inside their room, and he took a moment to take it in. Mishti & Abir's room was very different from Abhira's. It was painted in soft pinks and blues. A wood carving of a world map sat above their bed, littered with polaroids. He could faintly make out the faces of the two of them, interspersed with the rest of the family. He could see the life they'd lived together in them. It was so weird for him to imagine them as anyone other than the Badi Maa & Bade Papa he knew, but here they were - a young Abir & Mishti, probably even younger than he was right now, newly wed Abir & Mishti, new parents Abir & Mishti, Asha Kiran's owners Abir & Mishti, Abir & Mishti with the rest of the family - their own parents, siblings, kids, grandkids - growing old together and sharing everything with each other. What a fulfilling life it seemed to be. He could only hope that he & Abhira lived a life as full of love as theirs.
On the opposite side, a painting of Mishti took up most of the space on the wall. There were a few other paintings hung around it. Armaan didn't really understand their meaning, but he was sure they were important, given how well loved they were - a paper wind chime, a bunch of red, heart shaped balloons, a lakeside, a pair of bicycles, and the crowded rooftop of a bus. Above all of them, was a nameplate that read Mishbir.
One side of the room housed a dressing table & study table while the opposite side had their wardrobes on one side, most of the space taken up by their balcony which had a small sitting area and a reading nook.
“Aao, Armaan. Baitho,” Mishti gestured to the bed. Armaan obliged readily. He took one corner of the bed while Mishti sat opposite him.
“Itni raat ko kaise aana hua? All good?” Mishti probed.
Armaan sighed, shaking his head. “Abhira ne mujhe bataya ki woh Manish Uncle pe…”
“Oh,” Mishti breathed. “Kya tumhe lagta hai uska decision galat hai?”
“Nahi, bilkul nahi,” Armaan answered immediately. “I think she's right. Manish Uncle ne Akshara Maa ko hi jab ghar se nikaal diya toh phir Akshara Maa ya unke parents ki kisi cheez pe unke haq nahi hai. Woh academy, Naira Nani ke baad unhe hi milni chahiye thi na. Aur unke baad Abhira ko.”
The transition from calling her Akshara Ma'am to now calling her Akshara Maa was one that Armaan didn't even realize. In the time that he had met Abhira's family and they had become his own, his teacher had also become his mother.
“Bilkul sahi keh rahe ho tum,” Mishti agreed. “Akshu ke paida hote hi, Naira Di ne woh academy uske naam kardi thi. Toh uss lihaaz se unki death ke baad, it belonged to her. And as Akshu's only living child, ab woh academy Heera ki hai.”
“Ira ka faisla sahi hai, Badi Maa,” Armaan added. “Lekin, uska raasta bohot mushkil. Mujhe darr lag raha hai. Kahin woh kamzor na pad jaaye. Mujhe pata hai… Woh mujhse kayi zyada strong hai. Mujhse kya, woh saari duniya se zyada strong hai. Usne life mein bohot struggle dekhi hai, aur uske bawajood woh kabhi hichkichayi nahi. Par ab baat alag hai. Akshara Maa ko leke woh waise hi itni emotional hai. Aur woh dikhati nahi, lekin Manish Uncle ka sach jaanke usse bohot takleef pohonchi hai. Woh unse bohot pyaar karti thi, bohot respect karti thi unki. Ab yeh sab… It's not going to be easy for her.”
“You're right,” Mishti murmured. “It's not going to be easy. Lekin hum haina uske saath. You, me, and Abir. We'll handle everything. Usse kamzor nahi padne denge.”
“Mujhe yeh darr nahi hai, Badi Maa,” Armaan admitted. “Mujhe darr yeh hai ki kahin main kamzor na pad jau. Pehle bhi jab Abhira ko meri sabse zyada zaroorat thi, main uska saath nahi de paaya. Iss baar main har kadam uske saath chalna chaahta hoon.”
“Hum tum dono ke saath hain, Armaan,” Mishti assured him. “Sirf Abhira nahi, hum tumhe bhi kamzor nahi padne denge. I promise.”
“Thank you, Badi Maa,” Armaan smiled. “Kabhi-kabhi lagta hai, aapke aur Bade Papa ke bina main aur Abhira kya karte?”
“Thankfully, aisa kabhi nahi hoga,” Mishti promised. “Ki tumhe ya Abhira ko yeh sochna pade. We're always there for you.”
“Badi Ma… Aapse kuch maangu toh aap dengi?” Armaan asked softly after a moment of silence.
“Tum maang ke toh dekho,” Mishti grinned.
“Main… 2 minute aapki god mein sarr rakh loon? Please?” Armaan whispered, his voice breaking.
Mishti sucked in a sharp breath, before reaching up to pull Armaan's head in her lap. She ran her fingers through his hair in an attempt to soothe him. So much had been happening around him. Mishti understood very well how he felt. He was trying to find balance between Abhira & his family, dealing with his brother's hatred, and his grandmother's ego. Inadvertently, she knew that their offer to him was also a source of unease for him. And, he had been trying to stand strong in the midst of all this, supporting Abhira as she processed the truth about her family. It had not been easy for him.
“I'm sorry, Armaan,” Mishti mumbled. “Abhira aur Goenkas ke issue mein hum sab itna ulajh gaye, ki mera dhyaan hi nahi gaya… Ki mere bete ko bhi meri zaroorat hai. But I promise, dobara yeh galti nahi hogi.”
Mishti felt his tears wet her kurti at her words. She belatedly realized that maybe no one had ever apologized to him. How unfortunate that his own family didn't recognize his worth. She wished that they could see him for the brilliant man he was - so kind and loving, driven and passionate, responsible and trustworthy.
Armaan turned his head, hiding his face in Mishti's stomach. “Thank you,” he choked out. “Aapne yeh kaha yehi bohot hai.”
“Kaafi nahi hai,” Mishti countered. “You deserve better. Sirf Abhira hi nahi hai jo iss waqt itne badlaav aur tanaav se guzar rahi hai. Har cheez se tumhe bhi toh utna hi farq padta hai. Aur sirf isliye ki tum dikhaate nahi, iska yeh matlab toh nahi tumhe support ki zaroorat nahi hai? Agli baar, itna wait mat karna. Meri god aur mera kandha, hamesha tumhaare liye haazir hain.”
“I love you, Badi Maa,” Armaan mumbled, and then stopped short. This was perhaps the first time he'd said those words to someone other than Abhira. He'd always been so awkward in expressing his love to anyone. It stemmed a lot from the fact that no one was vocal about their affection in his family. Yet, in this moment with Mishti, it felt as natural as breathing.
“And I love you, Maani,” Mishti replied, the nickname slipping from her lips effortlessly. Armaan looked up at her, surprised. “Mumma mujhe woh bulaati thi,” he admitted. The way he said it, Mishti understood, he wasn't talking about Vidya.
“I'm sorry,” she apologized. “Main nahi bulaungi.”
“No!” Armaan cried, immediately. “Please… Aap Maani bolengi toh mujhe achcha lagega. Mumma ke baad, aapke paas hi mujhe woh security mehsoos hoti hai, Badi Maa. Aap hoti haina, toh mujhe lagta hai sab sahi hoga… Waisa jaisa Mumma ke saath lagta tha. Aap, please… Sorry mat boliye.”
“Okay, Maani,” Mishti smiled. “Abse yehi bulaungi tumhe.”
Armaan smiled, sitting up. “Thank you, Badi Maa!” He hugged her, resting his head on her shoulder.
Mishti ruffled his hair, dropping a kiss to his forehead. “Abhi itne bade nahi huye ho, ki mujhe iske liye thank you bolo!”
___ ___ ___
“Armaan!” Abhira cried. “Hum kahaan jaa rahe hain? Kuch toh batao!”
“It's a surprise,” Armaan repeated for the hundredth time. After speaking with Mishti, Armaan had felt much lighter. But, one thing he realized was that for the past few weeks, he & Abhira had only been putting out fires. One thing after the other kept plopping in their laps, and they kept dealing with it. Yes, he'd spent a lot of time with Abhira in the past few days, but most of it had been them trying to comfort each other. He wanted to spend time with her, away from all the worries that seemed to hound them off late. And so, he had decided to take her out for some much needed ice-cream. Both Abir & Mishti had been only too happy to oblige his request.
“Hum kya phir poora time aise chup-chap baithe rahenge?” Abhira asked.
“Tum chup reh sakti ho kya?” Armaan laughed. “Mujhe laga bhagwaan ne tumhaare andar woh setting hi nahi bheji hai.”
“Haha,” Abhira laughed sarcastically.
“Achcha chalo… Tum batao mujhe, chehra kyun milta tera, yun khwabon se mere, yeh kya raaz hai?” Armaan serenaded, making Abhira blush a deep scarlet. Armaan grinned, proud at the effect he had on her.
“Mujhe nahi pata tha ki Khadoosmaan type ke logon ko aise flirt karna bhi aata hai,” she commented lightly, trying to hide the fact that her heart was about to beat out of its chest. She'd never heard Armaan sing before. And she hadn't known he was so good at it either. As if his melodious voice wasn't enough, his choice of lyrics hadn't helped either.
“Khadoosmaan ko aur bhi cheezein aati hain, Sharma Ji,” Armaan fired back slyly. “Aap kabhi mauka dijiye dikhaane ka.” He wiggled his eyebrows in an attempt to make his intentions clearer, not that it was needed. Abhira understood what he meant very easily.
“Shut up, Armaan!” She cried, whacking his arm. The car swerved a little, scaring Abhira. “I'm so sorry!” She exclaimed, holding on to his sleeve tightly. She had closed her eyes and was trying to fold into herself. Seeing her condition, Armaan parked the car on the side of the road. He pushed his seat back and tugged Abhira to him, gathering her in an embrace on his lap. Abhira hid her face in his neck, clutching him tight.
“It's okay, Ira,” Armaan murmured softly. “Kuch nahi hua. Tumne kuch nahi kiya. Car mein control mein thi. Main bas thoda mazaak kar raha tha.”
“Armaan!!” Abhira shouted at his words, pulling back to look at him angrily. “Aisa mazaak koi karta hai kya? Meri jaan nikal gayi thi. Agar kuch ho jaata toh?”
“I'm sorry,” Armaan apologized. “I really am. Maine socha nahi. I didn't want to scare you. Sorry, sorry, sorry!” He pleaded, holding his ears. “Please maaf kardo!”
Abhira huffed, moving off his lap and sitting on her seat once again. “Phir kabhi mat karna,” she commanded.
“I promise,” Armaan readily agreed. “Phir kabhi nahi karunga.”
Abhira hummed and flicked on the radio. Armaan took it as his cue to start driving again. “Iraaaa, I'm sorry!” He coaxed again. “Main pakka aise phir kabhi nahi karunga. Tum bas please ab gussa mat karo. I'm really very sorry. Mujhe kya pata tha tum itna zyada darr jaogi. Aise toh poori sherni bannke ghoomti ho, aur ab dekho.”
“Aisa nahi hai, Armaan,” Abhira sighed. “Mujhe bhi darr lagta hai… Aur tumhe pata hai, mujhe sabse zyada darr kis cheez se lagta hai?”
“Kisse?” Armaan asked in a whisper.
“Tumhe khone se,” Abhira replied. “Mumma ke baad maine bohot mushkil se khudko sambhaala hai. Ab agar main tumhe bhi kho dungi, toh main phir shayad nahi sambhaal paungi.”
“Toh main kahaan jaa raha hoon?” Armaan questioned. “Kahin nahi jaunga main tumhe chodke. Hamesha tumhaare saath hi rahunga.”
“Promise?” Abhira looked up at him.
“Promise,” Armaan swore. He reached for her hand and brought it up to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss to the back of it. He kept holding her hand after that, even as he shifted gears, entwining their fingers together.
Finally, they reached their destination. “We're here,” Armaan declared. Abhira's eyes lit up when she saw that they were in front of an ice-cream parlour.
“Thank you, Armaan!!” She cried, reaching up to hug him tight. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Armaan laughed, kissing her temple. “Tum sach mein ice-cream se hi mujhse zyada pyaar karti ho. Aaj tak kabhi mujhe dekhke aisa reaction nahi diya!”
“Shut up, Khadoosmaan!” Abhira whined. “Ab jaldi chalo. Zyada late ho gaya toh yeh dukaan bhi band ho jaayegi.”
“Don't worry, Ma'am,” Armaan said. “Mujhe pata hai ki ice-cream ka luft uthaane mein aapko kitna time lagta hai, isliye main aisi jagah leke aaya hoon jahaan yeh tension hi naa ho!”
The only ice-cream parlour that was open 24x7 in Udaipur was a forty minute drive from their home, but so worth it. The spot was located in the heart of the city, in the middle of all the palaces and hotels, which were famous tourist attractions, and popular wedding destinations. Which is why, the markets in the area were open till late hours, catering to their ever-growing customer base.
Armaan guided Abhira inside the shop, which was decently occupied despite the late hour. A lot of customers were decked out in traditional wear, probably catching a break from whatever wedding they were attending. Abhira took in the lively atmosphere of the place as she walked to the counter, Armaan taking up her rear.
“Arre! Armaan Sir!! It's been a while,” the cashier grinned in recognition. “Aajkal aap aur bachche dikhte hi nahi. Sab theek?”
“Haan, haan,” Armaan smiled. “Sab theek hai, Mohit. Bas bachche aajkal thode zyada busy ho gaye hain. Unhe apne Armaan Bhaiya ke saath bitaane waqt kahaan hai.”
“Mujhe toh lagta hai ki Armaan Bhaiya ke paas waqt nahi hai bachchon ke liye,” Mohit laughed, his eyes lighting up on seeing Abhira. He had never seen Armaan bring a girl in so many years that he'd frequented. Mohit had started off as a part-time employee and had gone on to become the manager of the place. For as long as he could remember, Armaan would bring his cousins over for ice-cream. This was the first time he'd brought someone else. A girl, at that. Definitely his girlfriend by the looks of it.
“Mohittttt,” Armaan reprimanded, blushing a little. “Aisa kuch nahi hai!”
Abhira looked at Armaan in askance. “Pehle, main aur chorus gang yahaan weekly aaya karte the. Unki ek treat for getting through the week. Lekin aajkal time hi nahi milta.”
“Toh tumhe mujhe batana chahiye tha na!” Abhira exclaimed. “Aaj unhe bhi le aate hum! Iss bahaane sab ek saath thoda time bhi spend kar lete. Jab se main saamne shift hui hoon, aisa lagta hai ki unn chaaron ko bina dekhe hi kitne din nikal jaate hain!”
Armaan rolled his eyes. “Har jagah unko leke ghoomo tum bas. Yeh sab na tumhaare hi laad-pyaar ka nateeja hai ki woh sab har time galat waqt pe aa jaate hain! Kabhi apne pati ke baare mein bhi soch liya karo! Lekin nahi… Tumhe toh bas gharwale hi dikhte hain!”
Abhira laughed at his little tirade. “Achcha, baba. Tum mood mat kharab karo! Ice-cream lein?”
Not giving him a chance to answer, Abhira turned back to the counter. “Mohit Bhaiya, kyunki yeh mera first time hai… Aap hi flavour suggest kar dijiye na, please?”
“Bhabhi, aap yeh Belgian Chocolate wala try kariye. Mera personal favourite hai!” Mohit recommended. He directed one of the employees to give it to her.
“Thank you!” Abhira thanked as she took the ice-cream.
“Aur yeh lijiye aapka staple,” the employee gave Armaan one too, which he took after muttering a quick thanks.
They took a seat in one of the corner booths. “Mmmm,” Abhira moaned in appreciation. “Yeh toh bohot hi achcha hai!!”
“Abhiraaaaa,” Armaan groaned. “Tum thoda mera khayal kar liya karo, please!”
“Maine kya kiya?” Abhira asked, confused.
“Tum yeh kaisi awaazein kar rahi ho? Thoda toh socho!” Armaan exclaimed.
It took a moment for Abhira to understand what he meant. When she did, she whacked him. “Armaan! Stop it. Kitne besharam ho tum!”
“Main? Main besharam?” Armaan cried, offended. “You're making all these noises! Lekin besharam main hoon! Waah!”
“Shut up!” Abhira ordered. “Chup-chap ice-cream khao!”
“Main nahi. Tum chup-chap khao,” Armaan told her.
“Haan, haan,” Abhira agreed. “Main chup-chap khaungi.”
They ate their ice-cream in silence for a minute before Abhira said something again. “Waise… Armaan. Tumhaara kaunsa flavour hai?”
Armaan offered his ice-cream to her. Abhira took a bite and made a face. “Ewwww! Yeh toh bilkul toothpaste jaisa hai!”
Armaan laughed. “Toothpaste nahi hai. Ice-cream hai. Mint chocolate.”
“Kachre mein fek do!” Abhira cried. “Aisa hota hai chocolate ka taste? Barbaad bilkul.”
“Abhira, tum na… Rehne do! Itni badhiya ice-cream hai. Tumhaara hi taste kharab hai!” Armaan exclaimed.
“Waise yeh baat toh tumne sahi kahi,” Abhira agreed. Armaan looked surprised at her quick acceptance, till she added, “Tum bhi toh ho… Mere bure taste ka nateeja!”
“What nonsense!” Armaan burst out. “Udaipur ki saari ladkiyaan paagal hai mere peeche!”
To prove his point, he gestured around the ice-cream parlour, and sure enough, a lot of girls were looking over at them and whispering amongst themselves. Abhira pouted. “Toh jao na unke paas! Mere paas kyun baithe ho?”
“Nahi, mujhe toh tumhaare paas hi baithna hai!” Armaan told her, hugging her around her chest and resting his head on her shoulder.
“Haan, kyunki tumhe pata haina… Yeh jo tumhaara boring sa munh khulta hai, uske baad mere alawa kaun hi hoga jo tumhe bhaav dega?” Abhira taunted.
“Hmmm, aisa lagta hai tumhe? Main try karun kya?” Armaan asked. Without waiting for her answer, he moved to get up, but Abhira stopped him. “Stop it!” She ordered. “Yahaan se kahin hilne ki bhi zaroorat nahi hai. Samjhe?”
“Okay, okay,” Armaan agreed. “Chalo ab… Ice-cream khate hain. Warna poori melt ho jaayegi.”
“Yeh aaj ice-cream ka plan kaise bann gaya?” Abhira asked as they both slurped on their respective cones.
“Bas, yun hi,” Armaan replied. “Maine socha ki itne time se hum dono bas problems hi solve karne mein busy hain. Ek saath time hi nahi milta. So, aaj… Only Armaan & Abhira, and no stress. Na Dadi Sa, na Rohit, na firm, na NGO, na Goenkas. Hum kisi cheez ke baare mein nahi sochenge. Bas ek doosre pe focus karenge.”
“Not bad, Khadoosmaan,” Abhira grinned, reaching up to kiss his cheek. “Yeh baat toh tumne sahi ki.”
“Main hamesha sahi baat hi karta hoon!” Armaan boasted.
“Zyada udo mat!” Abhira told him. “Ice-cream pe focus karo.”
Once they were both done eating, Armaan paid.
“Ghar jaana zaroori hai kya?” Abhira asked as they sat in the car.
“Tumhe nahi jaana?” Armaan wondered.
“Nahi,” Abhira pouted. “Kitna achcha lag raha hai. Bas tum aur main. Let's not go back.”
“Aapka har hukum sarankhon par, Sharma Ji,” Armaan whispered, kissing her forehead.
They went on a long drive after that, driving around the sleepy streets of the city, blasting music and singing along. They made stops along the way, admiring the view from a few scenic locations. When they got home after sunrise, they were caught trying to sneak in by Abir & Mishti, who teased them mercilessly. Abhira was embarrassed at being caught red-handed, but when she looked at Armaan's bright smile, she realized she didn't mind it that much, for she couldn't remember the last time she'd seen him grin so wide. For that smile, everything was worth it.
Chapter Twenty
“Yaar, yeh kahaan phans gaye!” Aryan cribbed lowly, only for his cousins to hear.
“Haan naa,” Krish agreed. “Armaan Bhaiya ka sahi hai. Woh bach gaye. Aur humein yahaan chod diya.”
“Wahaan Mishti Aunty ke ghar pe kitna mazaa ho raha hoga. Aur hum sab yahaan bore ho rahe hain,” Kiara added.
“Guys, chup-chap baithe raho. Kisine sunn liya toh abhi problem ho jaayegi,” Charu advised.
“Charu, Krish, Kiara, Aryan!” Kaveri called. “Itni kya zaroori baatein ho rahi hain?”
“K— k— kuch… Kuch nahi, Nani Sa,” Krish fumbled. “Hum toh bas… Yeh… Yeh keh rahe the ki… Ki… Khana bohot achcha bana hai.”
“Yeh baat toh bilkul sahi hai,” Vidya agreed. She turned to Swarna and said, “Sach mein. Khana bohot zyada swadisht bana hai.”
The entire Poddar clan had been invited to lunch by the Goenkas. Kaveri had allowed no exceptions but Armaan, who had gotten away with it saying it might be awkward for the Goenkas to host him after his bungled nuptials with Ruhi. Ruhi had tried to assure everyone that was not the case, but Rohit had also agreed that it would be better for Armaan to stay behind. After that, none of Ruhi's words had any meaning. After all, Kaveri would never do anything to hurt her beloved grandson.
That's how they all found themselves at the Goenka residence. While the elders made small talk, most of the Goenkas' attention was taken by Ruhi. She was talking a mile a minute, telling her B-Nanu & B-Nani everything that had been happening. They indulged her like the caring guardians they were. But, it left the chorus gang to their own devices and they were bored.
This never happened when they visited the Rajvanshes. Abhira always made sure to include them in her conversations. Plus, they had the other Rajvansh cousins to speak with. Like Abhira had thought, Aryan & Dhriti had quickly become fast friends, while Charu found a friend in Shreya. Kiara & Krish got along splendidly with all of them, but in particular with Raj & Ketan respectively. Whenever they went there, someone or the other would be there to make sure they didn't feel left out. But, nobody would do so here.
“Guys, yahaan se nikalne ke baad, Bhabhi se milne chalein? Please?” Krish suggested. “Bohot boriyat ho rahi hai. Aur itne dinon se baaki sabse bhi nahi mile.”
“Done!” The other three replied in unison. With their plans for the evening looking brighter, they dug into the food. It really was delicious. They couldn't argue with that.
The meal was disturbed by the ringing of the doorbell. One of the servants opened the door and took the parcel that was delivered, promptly handing it over to Manish. “Sir, koi yeh de gaya hai,” he said. “Kaha ki urgent hai.”
Manish took the envelope and kept it aside, going back to Ruhi who had been interrupted, but Swarna prompted him to open it. “Manish Ji, shayad kuch zaroori ho. Aap check kar lijiye.”
“Swarna, khane ke baad shanti se dekh lenge,” Manish replied.
“Nahi, B-Nanu,” Ruhi protested. “B-Nani sahi keh rahi hain. Aap ek baar dekh lijiye.” Much as she hated the hindrance, she couldn't deny that what Swarna was saying was right. It had been so long since she'd spent quality time with her grandparents, but she would just do that after he checked whatever the package was.
Manish gave in. He tore the envelope open, removing the papers. Not even a full minute later, the papers fell from his hand. His breathing became laboured and he began sweating.
“B-NANU!!” Ruhi, who was sitting closest to him, cried. “Kya hua! B-Nanu!”
“Manish Ji!” Swarna shouted, rushing to his side. She offered him a glass of water. “Manish Ji, lijiye… Pani pijiye. Please.” She made him drink a few sips, but he coughed the water out, scaring everyone even more.
“Main doctor ko bulaata hoon!” Madhav exclaimed, already dialling.
“Bhai Sa, mujhe lagta hai inhe room mein le jaana chahiye,” Manoj suggested. Everyone agreed.
“Na… Nahi,” Manish coughed, finally gaining some breath. He drank some water and took a few deep breaths. “Ab theek lag raha hai. Madhav Ji, doctor ko bhi mat bulaiye.”
“B-Nanu, ek baar check-up karwa lete hain,” Ruhi insisted.
“Nahi, nahi,” Manish assured. “Main theek hoon. Woh, ekdum se jhatka laga isliye maine aise react kiya, but mujhe kuch nahi hua.”
“Aisa kya hai inn papers mein?” Swarna demanded.
“Woh… Naira ki academy…” Manish mumbled.
“Academy?” Surekha asked. “Kya hua, Bhaisaab? Wahaan sab theek toh haina?”
“Pata nahi… Koi mujhe uske liye… Sue kar raha hai,” Manish explained. “Uske aage main padh hi nahi paaya. Wohi toh aakhri nishaani hai Naira ki humaare paas. Usse kaise chod du?”
Rohit picked the papers up, reading through them properly, and promptly dropped them as if he had been burned. “Rohit! Kya hua, beta?” Vidya asked. “Kya likha hai inme?”
“Maa… Woh academy ke liye… Manish Uncle ke against… Abhira Bhabhi ne case kiya hai,” Rohit dropped the bomb on the entire family.
“What?!” Manisha exclaimed. “Abhira ne? Nahi, nahi. Tujhe dekhne mein koi galti hui hogi, beta. Abhira aisa kyun karegi? Tu phir se check kar.”
“Maine achche se dekha hai, Chachi Sa,” Rohit replied. “Bhabhi ne hi bhijwaye hain yeh papers. Woh uss academy pe haq jata rahi hain.”
“Manu, tum dekho na ek baar,” Manisha insisted. “Abhira aisa nahi karegi. Main jaanti hoon.”
“Haan, Manoj,” Madhav agreed. “Manisha sahi keh rahi hai. Ek baar tum bhi achche se padh lo.”
“Haan, haan,” Manish agreed as well. “Abhira itni pyaari bachchi hai. Woh yeh sab kyun karegi? Aur… Usse toh iss academy ke baare mein kuch pata bhi nahi. Usne nahi kiya hoga.”
Manoj also read through the papers, coming up disappointed. “Yeh Abhira ne hi bheje hain. Yeh legal notice hai. Isme aisa likha hai ki agar Manish Ji ne academy ke papers Abhira ko agle 21 dinon mein nahi diye toh woh unhe court le jaayegi.”
“Abhira ne?!?!” Vidya exclaimed, shocked. “Usne sach mein aisa kiya?”
“Humne toh pehle hi kaha tha sabse,” Kaveri snorted. “Woh ladki sahi nahi hai. Usse ghar-parivaar kisi ki koi qadr nahi hai. Nihayati besharam aur matlabi hai woh. Tabhi toh Armaan ko fasaya. Aur Manish Ji se rishta banake, aaj unke saath bhi yeh bhi kar!”
“Bohot hi laalchi ladki hai,” Sanjay added fuel to the fire. “Armaan ko apne pyaar mein fasake usse humaare ghar mein toh jagah mil hi gayi thi. Ab pata nahi aisi kya patti padhayi ki woh Abir Rajvansh jaisa bada insaan bhi uski ungliyon pe naachta hai. Aur itna kaafi nahi tha toh aaj yeh… Chee. Ghinn aati hai mujhe!”
“Aap log… Aisa mat boliye!” Krish defended. “Bhabhi bohot achchi hain. Agar unhone aisa kuch kiya hai toh koi wajah zaroor hogi. Aap unse bina pooche, bina kuch samjhe, aisa kyun keh rahe hain?”
“Waah! Uss ladki ne itna sab kar diya lekin tum abhi bhi uski tarafdaari kar rahe ho!” Kaveri screeched. “Sharam nahi aati tumhe, Krish? Inn sab cheezon mein tum bachche na hi bolo toh behtar hai. Pata nahi kya jaadu kar diya hai uss ladki ne ki tumhe uski kabhi koi galti dikhti hi nahi hai. Lekin, tum bewakoof ho iska yeh matlab nahi ki baaki parivaar bhi hai. Hum uss ladki ko tumse zyada achche se samajhte hain. Aur woh bilkul sahi insaan nahi hai.”
“Nani Sa…” Krish tried to say something else, but was cut off.
“Tumse kaha na… Iss maamle mein beech mein padne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai!” Sanjay roared. “Uss Abhira ne bilkul apne jaise besharam bana diya hai tum sabko bhi. Awaaz nahi nikalni chahiye ab tum mein se kisike munh se. Samjhe?”
The chorus gang nodded helplessly. Ruhi, unable to stomach all this, cried out. “Mujhe pata hai ki main tum logo ko pasand nahi hoon. Theek hai, maine accept karli yeh baat. Maine yeh bhi accept kar liya ki Abhira tum chaaron ki favourite hai. Lekin, ab bhi… Tum uski side loge yeh maine nahi socha tha! Woh mere B-Nanu se unki bahu ki aakhri nishaani maang rahi hai, aur tumhe lagta hai koi bhi reason yeh cheez justify karta hai?
Khair, tum sabse kya hi bolun! Yeh sab ho bhi toh sirf B-Nanu ki wajah se hi raha haina! Unhone hi hamesha se Abhira ko itna pyaar diya, apni khudki bachchi maana. Dekh liya aapke pyaar ka nateeja, B-Nanu? Pehle usne sirf aap par haq jataya tha. Aaj woh aapki cheezon pe bhi haq jatane lagi hai. Aaj academy maangi, kal pata nahi kya hi maang legi! Maine aapse kaha tha ki aap uss ladki se door rahiye lekin aapne meri kabhi nahi suni. Agar aap meri baat maan lete toh yeh din nahi dekhna padta na!”
Rohit stepped forward, trying to comfort Ruhi, but she jerked his hand off. “B-Nanu, bas ab bohot ho gaya. Ab yeh sab nahi chalega. Uss Abhira ki koi aukaat nahi hai ki woh Poddar khandaan ki bahu bane, ya aapki beti. Aap usse saaf-saaf saare rishtey tod dijiye, aur usse keh dijiye ki academy humaari hai. Usse woh kabhi nahi milegi, chaahe woh kitni bhi koshish karle.”
“Ruhi, beta… Shaant ho jaa,” Manish soothed her. He made her sit down and helped her drink some water. “Yeh meri pareshaani hai. Main isse deal kar lunga. Tu iss sabke baare mein sochke tension mat le, beta. Please.”
“B-Nanu! Yeh aap kaisi baatein kar rahe hain? Main kaise tension na loon? Mujhe pata nahi hai kya… Ki yeh academy aapke liye kitni important hai?” Ruhi questioned. “Main Abhira ko isse aapse cheen'ne nahi dungi. Waise bhi… Kis haq se woh iss par haq jata rahi hai? Aapne usse apna maana tha iska yeh matlab nahi hai ki aapka koi khoon ka rishta hai, ya uska koi bhi haq hai Goenkas ki kisi bhi cheez par.”
“Ruhi bilkul sahi keh rahi hai, Manish Ji,” Sanjay agreed. “Aur aap bilkul fikar mat kijiye. Aapko kuch karne ki zaroorat nahi hai. Pehli baat toh yeh case court mein pehle din hi dismiss ho jaayega. Abhira iss tarah aapse kuch nahi cheen sakti. Aur farz kijiye agar nahi bhi hua, toh poora khandaan bhara pada hai lawyers se. Hum kis din kaam aayenge? Yeh case main khud ladunga!”
“Haan, Jamai Sa,” Kaveri nodded. “Yeh sahi rahega. Aap yeh case Manish Ji ki taraf se ladiye. Uss ladki ki itni himmat ki woh itni neech harkat kare? Iske liye hum usse kabhi maaf nahi karenge! Ab Armaan ko bhi usse rishta todna padega. Aisi ghatiya ladki se hum taluq nahi rakhenge!”
“Nahi,” Manish disagreed. “Yeh baat court tak nahi khichegi. Main abhi jaake Abhira se baat karunga. Usse meri aankhon mein aankhein daalke jawab dena hoga, ki usne aisa kyun kiya!”
___ ___ ___
“Right foot, Red,” Prajakta declared.
“Sabotage!” Hrishi cried. “This is a clear case of sabotage! I call foul!”
“What foul?” Prajakta demanded. “I spun the wheel. Yeh coordinates aaye toh main kya karu?”
“Tum cheating kar rahi ho,” Hrishi insisted. “I don't know how, but you're doing it. I know ki Abhira tumhaari favourite hai aur uske, in your own words, cute se boyfriend se tumhe bohot attachment hai… Lekin iska yeh matlab nahi hai ki unhe jitaane tum apne pati ko hi hara dogi, yaar!”
The Rajvansh cousins were all gathered in the living room, playing a game of twister. Everyone other than Armaan, Abhira, and Hrishi, had already tapped out. Prajakta was trying her hardest to get Hrishi to lose, not just so that Abhira could win, but also because he was insufferable when he won. Which really made sense given his entire family. They all loved each other immensely, but they were a competitive bunch. Prajakta enjoyed a good competition herself, but she was nowhere as bad as her husband, and she would not be able to take a boastful Hrishi for the next few days in case he snagged the prize. So, of course, the best solution was to cheat to make sure he didn't.
“Bhaiyuuuuu!” Abhira laughed. “Aap itne bahaane mat banaiye. If you can't do it, toh quit kar dijiye.”
“Never!” Hrishi declared. He pushed back, lifting his leg and stretching it to the other end of the sheet, where the only empty red spot was. Predictably, he lost his balance as he tried to reach his goal, given how far it was, and collapsed onto the floor, to a cackling audience.
He huffed, rolling out of the sheet, and found a seat on the floor, resting his back against the sofa. “Yaad rakhunga main, Jaanam! Yaad rakhunga.” Prajakta gave him a wide, dimpled smile.
“It's okay, Bhai!” Armaan chuckled. “Aapka badla main poora karunga! Bhabhi ko Abhira ko jitaane nahi doonga!”
“Yes!” Hrishi cheered. “Let's go, Armaan!”
“Bhaiyu!” Abhira cried. “Aapko mere side hona chahiye! Aap mere bhai ho yaa iss Khadoosmaan ke?”
“Main toh tum dono ka hi bhai hoon,” was Hrishi's prompt reply. “Haan, lekin iss waqt… Main Armaan ki team mein hoon. Kyunki Praj tujhe jitaane ekdum dil kholke cheating kar rahi hai. Toh at least mere Jeeju ko moral support toh main de hi sakta hoon!”
“Thanks, Bhai!” Armaan exclaimed. “You're the best.”
“Okay! Hrishmaan Mutual Admiration Society ki meeting agar khatam ho gayi ho toh hum zara game continue kare?” Prajakta questioned. “Right foot, Red! Come on. Both of you!!”
They both easily followed the command as more red spots had opened with Hrishi losing. Everyone cheered and Prajakta spun the wheel again. “Left foot, Yellow!” She declared.
Abhira immediately scrambled to cover the closest yellow spot, but lost her balance. Unfortunately, her tumble made Armaan lose his grip too and they both landed on the floor in a mess of arms & legs. Abhira tried to free herself and get up, but Armaan used the opportunity to pull her closer to him, basking in the warmth of her presence.
“Oooooohhhh! Thodi toh sharam karlo, Jeeju! Aap hall mein ho, apne room mein nahi!” Ramya teased them.
“Shut up, Ramya!” Abhira cried, pushing Armaan away, who grumbled at the interruption.
This was the scene that greeted the Poddar & Goenka clan as they bustled into the Rajvansh home. Ruhi's blood boiled at the sight before her. How dare Abhira be so happy after snatching everything from her? How dare she smile after the stunt she'd pulled? Watching Armaan cling to her made her even angrier. This was the girl who was hurting her B-Nanu, and there was the love of her life, hugging her as if his life depended on it. Did he care so little about her?
Infuriated as she was, Ruhi couldn't help herself. “ABHIRA!” She screamed at the top of her lungs. All of the Rajvansh cousins looked at the intrusion, surprised.
Abhira's eyes immediately spotted Manish, and instinctively, she pressed herself closer to Armaan, who wrapped his arms around her in a comforting hug. This was the first time that Abhira was seeing Manish since discovering who he really was. She was surprised to realize that she still felt some affection for the man who she had considered her grandfather. He had been there for her through some of her toughest times, but he had also been responsible for all the hardship her mother had faced. Abhira thought she would never be able to feel even an ounce of fondness for this man ever again. But, here she was. However, no matter that she couldn't help but feel some modicum of attachment to him, her intense dislike still trumped it.
“It's okay, Ira,” Armaan whispered, holding her close. “Main hoon tumhaare saath. We can do this.”
Abhira nodded, glad to have him by her side. Vidya, upset on seeing the closeness between the two of them, called Armaan. “Armaan, beta yahaan aa. Mere paas.”
Abhira's grip on Armaan tightened at her words. Armaan looked at her and gave her a gentle, reassuring squeeze. “I'm not going anywhere,” he whispered. To Vidya, he said, “Maa, baat kya hai?”
“Tu bas… Idhar aa. Zyada sawal mat pooch!” Vidya insisted.
“Maa, aap aise hyper kyun ho rahi hain? Kya hua aap batayengi?” Armaan questioned.
“Armaan! Apni maa ki baat sunn lo,” Kaveri ordered. “Yeh ladki iss layak nahi hai ki tum iske aas-paas bhi khade raho!”
“Dadi Sa!” Armaan cautioned.
“Kuch galat nahi keh rahe hain hum,” Kaveri pressed. “Shayad tum iski taraf isliye ho kyunki tum jaante nahi ki isne kya kiya hai. Jab tumhe pata chalega, tum khud isse chodke humaare paas aa jaoge.”
“Yeh sab kya ho raha hai?” Mishti demanded as she walked into the room with Abir in tow. The two of them had rushed outside when they heard the loud noise of someone calling Abhira. The rest of the family was not far behind.
“Yeh aap apni laadli Abhira se kyun nahi poochte?” Sanjay mocked. “Usne aapko bataya hoga na… Ki woh kya kar rahi hai? Ya nahi bataya?”
“Abhira humein sab batati hai!” Abir stated. “Aap bataiye, ki aap sab yahaan iss tarah tamasha kyun kar rahe hain? Yeh humaara ghar hai, koi theatre nahi.”
“Waah! Ulta chor, kotwal ko daante?” Kaveri taunted. “Tamasha toh iss ladki ne bana diya hai. Aapka, humaara, rishton ka, parivaar ka… Har cheez ka. Phir bhi yahaan aise besharmon jaise sarr uthaake khadi hai jaise kuch galat nahi kiya!”
“Aap sab iss tarah Abhira ko bura-bhala sunana band kariye!! Bina wajah iss tarah uski jabse insult ho rahi hai. Aisa kya kiya hai usne jo sab usse itna suna rahe hain?” Armaan demanded.
“Baat yeh hai, Armaan,” Ruhi answered. “Ki tumhaari pyaari si Abhira bohot hi laalchi aur besharam hai!”
“Ruhi!” Armaan thundered. “Abhira ke khilaaf ek shabd nahi sununga main. Samjhi tum?”
“Aap Ruhi se kya keh rahe hain?” Rohit stepped in. “Abhira Bhabhi ne harkat hi aisi ki hai.”
“Ky… Kya… Aisa kya kiya hai maine?” Abhira asked, speaking for the first time since they'd all entered her home. She did know, of course. She knew that notice was going to be served. She just hadn't anticipated that the entire Poddar family would also turn up to demand answers from her. She was taken off guard by their hostile demeanour. She knew that they had their differences, but hadn't expected them to be this openly antagonistic.
“Kya kiya hai? Tumhe zara sharam nahi haina?” Ruhi questioned. “Yeh kiya hai!” She cried, throwing the papers in Abhira's face. “Just because mere B-Nanu ne tumhe apna mana, tum toh unki property pe kabza karne ke sapne dekhne lagi! Wow, Abhira. I must say… Kaafi chaalak ho!”
Abhira snorted. “Pehle yeh toh dekh lo, ki jiss property pe itna taav dikha rahi ho, woh tumhaare B-Nanu ki hai bhi ya nahi!”
“Agar unki nahi hai toh unse maang kyun rahi ho?” Ruhi questioned, rolling her eyes. “Tum kya mujhe bewakoof samajhti ho? Woh academy Naira Nani ki thi. Unke jaane ke baad, of course woh humaari family ki property hai.”
“Family ki property nahi hai, Ruhi,” Abhira corrected. It had belonged to her mother. And now, it was hers. Had they not read through the papers? She had made sure to mention that as the sole heir to Akshara Abhinav Sharma, she was claiming what was hers.
“Tumhaari toh nahi haina!” Ruhi argued, confirming her doubts. They had not read the papers completely and had all come here in a fit of rage to pick a fight without knowing all the facts. “Kya haq hai tumhaara uspe? Tumne kaise soch liya ki woh tumhe mil jaayegi? Aaj academy maangi hai, kal ghar maang logi. Tumhaara kya bharosa? Lekin ek baat sunn lo… Tumhe ek phooti kaudi bhi nahi milegi.”
“Tumne kya sabko apne jaisa samajh rakha hai?” Abhira scoffed. “Jo mera nahi hai uspe main haq nahi jatati. Lekin, jo mera hai… Uske liya ladna mujhe aata hai. Aur main ladungi!”
“Abhira!!” Ruhi screeched again. She stepped forward, and raised her hand to slap Abhira, but Mishti caught hold of it before she could.
“Sochna bhi mat,” she warned. “Abhira se door raho tum. Tumhaari himmat kaise hui uspe haath uthaane ki?”
“Yeh toh achcha hai!” Kaveri exclaimed. “Saari duniya mein aap aisa dikhava karte hain jaise aap kitne nek log hai. Saari duniya ki chinta hai aapko. Gareebon ko khana khilate hain, bachchon ke liye schools banate hain, mareezon ke liye hospitals, aur boodhon ke liye old age homes.
Lekin, yeh sab karke kya faayda? Asal mein aap nihaati ghatiya insaan hain. Uss din aapne meri parvarish pe ungli uthaayi thi na… Aaj main aapse poochti hoon. Kya aapki Maa ne aapko nahi sikhaaya? Ki kisi ki zameen hadapna galat baat hai? Abhi toh Armaan ne aapko aapki atki hui zameen dilwayi… Aur aap uske ghar ke logon ke saath hi aisa kar rahi hain? Manish Ji humaare samdhi hain. Aapki beti ne unse unki bahu ki aakhri nishaani maang li, aur jaante hue bhi aap uska saath de rahi hain? Kya yehi sikhaya hai aapko aapki maa ne?”
“Mrs. Poddar!” Abir shouted. “Stay in your limits. Mere hi ghar mein aake meri hi maa ke baare mein aap aise baat nahi kar sakti! Aapki samaaj mein izzat hai. Mujhe majboor mat kijiye ki main aapko ghar se nikal kar woh izzat mitti mein mila doon. Kyunki yeh karne mein mujhe ek second nahi lagega.
Aur rahi baat Abhira ki… Toh haan. Main aur Mishti uske saath hai. Sirf hum dono nahi… Poora parivaar uske saath hai. Kyunki usne koi galti nahi ki hai. Usne apna haq waapas maanga hai. Woh haq, jo usse bohot pehle mil jaana chaahiye tha! Woh toh bas… Mr. Manish Goenka ne kabhi zaroorat nahi samjhi ki woh apna galti sudhaare. Lekin, koi baat nahi. Ab bhi waqt hai. Woh chup-chap yeh papers pe sign karke sab theek kar sakte hain!”
“Main kyun karun papers pe sign?” Manish finally spoke up. “Aakhir kyun? Main yeh academy aise hi de du? Aap jaante bhi hain woh jagah mere liye kya maayne rakhti hai?”
“Kya maayne rakhti hai woh toh hum dekh chuke hain!” Mishti rolled her eyes. “Tabhi itne bure din aa gaye hain ki wahaan mushkil se 2-4 students aate hain. Khandar jaisi haalat ho gayi hai uss jagah ki. Ab dekho toh yakeen nahi aata ki yeh wohi jagah hai jo Naira Di ne itne pyaar se shuru ki thi. Uss academy ke liye unhone kya nahi kiya? Lekin aapko toh itni bhi parwaah nahi hai ki agar unke shuru kiye hue kaam ko aage na badha sake, toh kam se kam iss tarah waste toh nahi hone dete!”
“Na… Naira… Di?” Manish whispered, taken aback by the familiar address. “Aap… Aap Naira ko jaa— jaanti hain? Kaise?” A moment later, he answered the question himself as the pieces started to connect. “Kya… Kya naam bataya tha apna? Mishti? Mish… Mishtu? Mere… Mere Kartik ki… Kartik ki Mishtu ho na tum? Kahaan thi tum itne saalon se, beta? Itna waqt ho gaya… Tumhaari koi khabar hi nahi thi. Kaisi ho tum?”
“Mr. Goenka, please,” Mishti said. “Yeh sab dikhawa karne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai. Humaara rishta itna bhi gehra nahi tha ki mere jaane ke baad aapne kabhi meri chinta ki ho. Toh aap yeh fake concern naa hi dikhaaye toh achcha hai. Aap bas… Woh papers pe sign kar dijiye. Aur please, humein akela chod dijiye!”
“Papers! Papers!! Papers!!!” Ruhi screamed once again. “Aap sab kitne selfish hain! Sirf unn papers ki padi hai. Mere B-Nanu ko hurt karna chaahte hain sab. Aap sab itne matlabi kaise hain? Woh aapse kuch pooch rahe hain toh unhe iss tarah ulte-munh jawab dene ki kya zaroorat hai?”
“Haan, Ruhi,” Abhira answered, standing in between Mishti and Manish, protecting her Badi Maa. “Humein sirf unn papers se matlab hai. Waise bhi… Tumhaari family humaari family se bohot pehle hi rishta tod chuki hai. Toh ab yeh sab karke koi faayda nahi hai. Bas jo mera haq hai, woh mujhe lauta do. Meri Nani ki dance academy mujhe waapas kardo, warna court mein toh main issue haasil kar hi lungi. Aur yeh vaada hai mera. Abhira Akshara Sharma ka. Aur main apne vaade kabhi nahi todti.”
And that's when, the ground slipped below Manish's feet and he fell to his knees.
________
Phew! This was a mammoth to write. Hope y'all like it! Sorry for the cliffie ending. I have already started writing the next chapter and should be able to update soon, hopefully!!
Congratulations, everyone! Our Abhimaan got married! Though this has been the worst wedding track I've ever watched in a show and I am extremely upset with how things are being shown, I'm glad that at least they're married now. Let's hope they leave that viper's den in the upcoming episodes and finally find some peace of mind. Till then, all fic writers are my gods. Thank you so much every single one of you who have made this track more bearable with your brilliant fics!!
Thank you so much....I am so happy the truth is out and can't wait.
Yes, this wedding track was horrible...Vidya is on crack...worst ML, worst step mother here. Who gives curses on wedding day. Stupid women.
But yes...cannot wait for the next chapter....I bet Ruhi will start shouting how her mother Akshara is a killer....Lets see if Kaveri will change her tune when she realises Abhira came from richer ancestery. I hope Poddar Law firm, Sanjay, Kaveri and Rohit go through bad luck.
Ahhhhh this is just
Waiting for the next chapter.......do write soooooon......
The progression is just awesome 😎...
Loved your story... Story is so good.. please update dear... Waiting for it...
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