Hi guys,

Thank you everyone for their support and wonderful comments.

I had given a hint about this story in my last OS...about Pragya being a sister-in-law to Alia and in a slight negative character, so here it is.

This story is set in 21 days lock-down from 25th March 2020 to 14th April 2020 for Covid-19

One thing guys, I didn't mean to hurt any religion/ political party so please forgive me for any mistakes...

Happy reading :)

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All of us love our family and they love us too, isn't it?

Family is the only one whom we care for, throughout the life.

We will never hurt our loved ones, but still we sometimes do. Sometimes, we make them angry, hate them, mock at them, shout at them and even wish for their failure. I did the same thing.

I, Pragya Arora, daughter of Ram Arora and sister of King Arora, is wishing for my lovely brother's failure. 

Yes, u are right, I wish to miserably fail in his political career.

My father is currently the most influential political person. Since childhood, I have seen all the cabinet ministers, state ministers and CEO of top companies visiting our house for parties or for meetings.

After my mom died, post giving birth to me, Dad rarely acknowledged me. He neither wished me on my b'day nor allowed me to be near him and not even appreciate any of my success. Why? Because I remind him of his late wife.

Nevertheless, he is completely opposite to my elder brother, King Bhai. He loves him to the moon and back.But King Bhai, loves me and fulfills my each and every wish. I feel he is my world, he is the best in everything, say academics, sports, computer or even his political career.

How much ever he loves me, my father hates me the most. All this never bothered me much as it does today. Let me begin my story. My life changed took a full U-turn yesterday when King Bhai gave us a shocking news.

20th March, 2020

King came into the dining hall with a dull face.

Ram said, "What happened beta? Why are u so dull? Come and have breakfast"

King spoke, "dad, I want to say something...u remember Alia Mehra?"

"Um...uh... Oh yes, I know. Abhishek Mehra's sister. "

Abhishek Mehra, my dad's rival. He is equally a well-known politician from the opposition party. God knows why but dad hates him the most. I hadn't seen him then. But heard that he is too focused in his work and won't tolerate any kind of nonsense in his work. Many of them, plotted against him but he came out all the false accusations on him. He gained the public's trust. People started idolizing him.

"She is pregnant...with my baby" said King.

Dad and I were shocked. How could he do this? He never spoke to me about Alia? When did they meet and how was it possible? They don't work together nor do they have any mutual friend. So how did they come up together? I was confused. I thought dad will be furious on him. Instead, what he did surprised me.

Anyway, how could he ever scold his favorite child?

Ram said, "It is okay beta...jawani mein hota hai aisa...but you should have informed me. No need to feel guilty. Let's organize your wedding within this month. "

King replied, "I am sorry dad. I thought you will scold me. It is good that you have accepted Alia. I hope Abhishek will forgive me too."

After sometime,

I went to Bhai's room. I shouted at him for his stupidity. How could he ever do this with a girl? Did he try to misbehave with her??

"No...I didn't. Its politics Pragya. You won't understand. I have seen dad getting stressed with Abhishek's popularity. We tried so many plans to fail him. But, he is too powerful. He is beyond everyone's reach. He has public on his side. So, all this was my plan. His weakness, his sister, Alia. It didn't require much hard work for me, it was so easy to fool her, to act in love and then pregnant her. " saying this he opened a drink and started having it.

"I could never think that u would step so low, Bhai. I thought that u were the best. But how can that be, even u have dad's filthy blood in you. "

King's eyes became read, he was indeed drunk and said, "I did it for dad. He has no problems, so why are u worrying. Relax. Alia, will soon disclose the matter to him. So, when he will come and fold his hands in front of me to marry his darling sister. At that time, I will tell him to delete the string operations and all files that he has against our party. He needs to sell his entire property to us and will have to leave this city forever.

Nice plan, isn't it? I will leave him with no choices. For his reputation, he will do what I say." He said and laughed at Abhishek's plight.

"Yes. It's a good plan. But have you thought, if he would have done the same thing with me that u have to Alia...what would u do? Agree with the same conditions?"

King's anger increased "if some guy has the nerve to even see you, I would put the eye sockets in his hand and kill him mercilessly."

I smiled, good to see this possessive side of him.

"I know u love me so much Bhai...but do you really love her?"

"Initially I didn't. But when, she told me about the baby, I couldn't control my feelings for her. I felt guilty when I looked at her eyes. Of late, but I realized I love her and that's why I thought to marry her and mark her as mine. Though my wish hasn't changed. I still hate Abhishek and will do anything to make him out of my way."

TING TONG

Someone knocked the door and the servants opened the door and informed us that Abhishek has arrived and wanted to see Bhai and dad.

On that day, I first met Abhishek. I don't know why but I was dying to meet him. Heard enough of his appreciation from public and media, I was getting desperate to have his look. Then, I slowly realized he was not my prince-charming but my brother's rival. I shouldn't be excited at all and I slowed my steps on the staircase.

I met Abhishek and Alia at our doorstep. Dad didn't even allowed him to enter our home. 

Alia was crying and Abhishek was furious I could easily guess from his eyes.

When did I learn to see in the eyes and understand the mind-voice? I brushed up the thoughts and hear them speak.

Bhai spoke to him, he was little drunk but alert "what brings you here Abhishek at 11 pm in the night."

Abhishek spoke, "as if you don't know"

"No I don't" he replied in a sleepy voice.

"I will make you remember everything. Alia is pregnant with your baby and I am here to kill you."

Bhai laughed at him and then replied, "U are forgetting that u are at my house and my guards will never allow you to move even an inch."

In no time, Abhishek entered the house and grabbed my Bhai's collar. Dad tried to intervene but Abhishek was too strong. 

He left my Bhai when he said that he is ready to marry Alia.

"But I have some conditions" Bhai told him all the conditions that he stated to me a while ago in the room.

Abhishek's anger knew no bounds but he composed himself and said, "Alright. I will do whatever you say"

Bhai and dad laughed at their victory. But what Abhishek said later shook everyone.

"I will do everything but I have a condition too... I want to marry your sister-Pragya"

I didn't even expected such a thought. I looked at Bhai and seems now his hangover was over. 

He turned angry and said, "take Ur words back Abhishek"

"Same applies to you" he replied

Now I came to know about Abhi's presence of mind. He is indeed a witty and tough one to deal with. My brother must have got a lesson to never indulge in such acts with Abhishek.

"I have no problem in Pragya marrying you" said my dad.

I was in a verge of tears, How could dad even think of me marrying him. I don't even know him much. I won't marry him. I won't marry a stranger. I looked at Bhai, he understood it and tried to explaining my dad.

"Kuch pane ke liye kuch khona padhta hai...let her go, there is no point in keeping her here." Dad said and I went in my room and cried a lot. Bhai came to console me. I denied his entry in my room and locked myself up.

My legs carried me up to Mandir and I spoke to God, 

"am I that bad? That no one loves me...people say that daughters are close to their father the most. But my father hasn't spoken to me in years. I miss my mom, why did you take her life. Why didn't you take mine? My brother loves me so much but why did he do injustice to someone else's sister. Now, I feel sick having a brother like him. I hate Bhai and I hate that Alia, who has created all this mess in our family. If my wedding is fixed with Abhishek, then I swear I will create a hell for her in this house. I will create all the misunderstandings between Bhai and her. So that, she will herself walk out of this marriage"

NEXT MORNING (21st March, 2020)

King Bhai came to me and said that Abhishek has done whatever he has been told to do. Bhai was getting engaged with Alia tonight and marriage at the weekend. Since, she is already in the 3rd month, it is better not to take any chance thereon.

I started moving to the dining hall and I noticed that the house was getting decorated as if our party has gained a national victory. My eyes saw Alia sitting there and having breakfast.

"What is she doing here?" I couldn't help asking. She was sitting on my chair.

Dad replied, "She is a family member now. She will be with us from now on. Engagement is in next 6 hrs. I have lot of work to do" saying this dad left the place.

I didn't feel weird that he left his breakfast when he saw me entering the hall. I don't even have a single memory of having any food with him, anyways

Bhai came and joined us. I badly wanted to leave the place. 

But then, Bhai spoke "Have u decided what to wear tonight?"

"Not yet"

"Wear that dress that I gifted u on your last b'day. One more thing, Abhishek and u are getting married after 3 months."

"I don't want to marry her brother" I spoke in a high tone and rudely.

I was about to leave the place. To my surprise, Bhai spoke, "did I ever teach u to speak like this?"

"Why are u taking her side? Who is she to you?"

"My wife and the mother of my baby"

I gasped at him taking her side and watching him turn from "my brother" to "her husband"

"Say sorry to Alia right now" Bhai said to me in a commanding tone, which I don't remember him using this tone in front of me.

I did what he asked me to do.

IN THE EVENING: ENGAGEMENT DAY

Guests arrived and so did Abhishek. I hated to agree that he was the best-looking man in the world. 

My mind reminded him that he is Bhai's enemy. I shouldn't forget that.

Rings were exchanged. Dad was looking as the happiest-man-in-the-world. God knows why? His son hasn't done anything great, he has raped a girl and pregnant her!!! What was so happy about it?

Now, I am standing at the balcony of our banquet hall. 4 hours of the function has been done and no one has come to greet me. I don't know that even if I jump from here, anyone will shed a tear for me...I was alive till yesterday for my brother, but today I am nothing for him. He easily shifted his focus from me to "aaj ki aayi hui ladki" Alia.

I pray for my Bhai's downfall. I wish his political career to end.

I wish my father should retire forcefully. I wish Abhishek not to delete the string operations.

I wish...somebody should love me ...just like I am...and not for sympathy...not for money...not because I am Ram's daughter.

(Unknown to her, a shooting star fell from the sky)

If nobody cares for me nor do I.

END OF PRAGYA'S P.O.V

Pragya mentally plans to jump from the balcony.

Just then Alia comes to meet Pragya,

"Pragya...why are u standing here...come inside the hall. Dinner is ready" Alia spoke

Pragya's mind changed on seeing her.

"Alia...I am sorry for today's morning incident..." she replied in a sad tone.

"It's okay...don't worry....matter is over" Alia spoke in a sweet tone.

"No, for me matter is not over. I felt disgusted when Bhai shouted at me. In fact, for me the matter has just started" Pragya replied with a change in voice from sad to angry tone.

"u know today you have done 2 things; first, snatched my darling brother from me and second, u have demanded my "sorry". U have done a very big mistake. Be ready for the punishment. Welcome to hell, Alia."

Alia was shocked to hear this, the first day in her-in-laws house has been a mess.

How much ever good the heart is...some people take it in a wrong way, isn't it?

THE WEDDING DAY: (24th MARCH, 2020)

As Pragya was standing alone, Abhishek came towards her. she started avoided him but he came forward.

"Why are you following me?" she yelled.

He replied, "hey gorgeous"

"What!!"

"Not you...I was complementing Alia. She is looking stunning, isn't she?"

"Huh!!! Bad taste, she is fat"

"Of course, she is fat, because she is carrying a baby...u will become Bua, aren't u happy?"

"U will become mama, aren't u happy" she replied in a mocking tone.

"I won't become mama...because I am not her real brother" he laughed.

"What!! Are u talking about ...she isn't your sister?"

"Nope...she is my school friend. She lost her parents and so I fund her education. Coincidentally, we share the same surname. I fooled your family."

Hearing this, Pragya was about to stop the wedding but Abhishek hold her back and said, "don't do anything stupid!!! Ur Bhai has raped Alia, this secret will come out in the media... and be ready for another reason to hated from your father"

She stopped in her tracks, in true sense, the reality shouldn't be out in any case. 

Alia was almost ready to step on the mandap. The wedding needs to be stopped. But how??

Pragya had an idea...she went to the mandap and stood behind Alia, just like the other bridesmaid.

Only a foot-balance is enough for Alia to fall. And so it did. Alia fell and twisted her legs. 

Doctor was called and he said that Alia cant move her legs for the next three days. That means, marriage was postpone to 3 days, phew!!!

Pandit has something else to say, "This muharat is very auspicious. A marriage ritual has been started and needs to be done, otherwise it would be a curse for the whole family. Some or the other couple has to marry in this mandap. We can't abruptly stop the mantras."

Ram said, "Okay. Pragya and Abhishek get ready for your marriage."

"Dad!! Bhai!!! I am not ready for marriage..." Pragya yelled

He immediately replied, "U have to marry in this mandap. You are already a curse for us, we don't want to add another curse in our life. Marry and get out. That's what every woman does"

All the guests and media heard him. People started gossiping about her. Media updated their headlines.

King was standing in the corner. Seeing his darling sister cry, he said, "don't worry dear...divorce him tomorrow. Chapter over. I will sort everything else."

Hearing his advice, Pragya was ready for marriage. They took marriage vows. After the marriage, AbhiGya started to leave.

6 HRS LATER.

They reached his home. A lady opened the door.

"Mom, you didn't sleep yet??" said Abhishek in a worried tone.

"I was not sleepy. Anyway, come in Pragya beti" replied his mom, Sarla Mehra. She had done all the arrangements to welcome her, including a bowl of rice on the doorstep. She saw the news telecast on TV that her son has married Pragya.

"I am sorry...I didn't know that you have a mother" said Pragya, without thinking.

Both, son and mother gasped.

Pragya entered the house. It wasn't as big as her own house. But was cozy. The warmth of the house could be felt by her.

"Beta, didn't you bring your bag from your house" Sarla asked.

"No auntyji, I only brought clothes for tonight. We are getting divorced tomorrow morning." She replied.

"But beta, you can't do that...didn't you hear today's PM speech for corona virus?"

"No...I hate news."

Abhishek who just returned after freshening up, replied "what is in the news, mom?"

PM of India has announced 21 days lock-down, due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Pragya said, "oh no!!! I need to stay here for 21 days!!!"

Then Pragya noticed that it was a 1 BHK house, a small kitchen, small sofa, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom...wait where is the bathroom????

"Where is the bathroom, Auntyji" Pragya asked her softly

"Towards your left"

"there is only a small washbasin...where is the space for bath? there is no bath-tub??"

His mom replied, "Abhi, what is she talking about?"

He replied, "Pragya, let me welcome u to a small town, 6 hours away from the main city. Here, you wont get a lot of luxurious. "

"Oh hello, bath-tub is not a luxury. Where will I take bath??" She asked but then her noticed a room behind Abhi, and got another shock...

"Abhishek, where is the bed??"

Sarla replied from the kitchen,"food is ready"

He left Pragya unanswered and went to his mom, "Mom, what was the need for  you to prepare food at 2 AM, we could have just sleep"

"You shouldn't sleep empty stomach..and anyway, now my bahu has arrived in the family...so from tomorrow onward, she will prepare the food and I will rest."

"But, I dont know how to cook.."

"Pragya, you freshen up and come for food." said Abhishek.

When Pragya went for bath, Sarla spoke, "I dont think she will be able to adjust in our house..."

"She will, mom."

"I always wanted to have a bahu, who will take care of you and love you. But, now I dont know whether she will be able to adjust with us or not. She has been born with a silver spoon, it will be difficult for her. This is her 1st night with us and look how is she behaving with us. I dont now what to do?? "

He nodded and replied, "She doesn't have a mother and always craves for her love. You can be that mother. She never got love from her father and her brother, for name sake. I will give her all the love in the universe. And in the end of 21 days lock down, she wont go away leaving me and you."

"yes beta. I will be her mother also." after a long pause, she said, "So tell me, when did you fall for Pragya"

"I dont know, but I think we have janmo-janmo ka pyar" he replied in  a dramatic way.

Sarla laughed.

AFTER A WHILE

Abhishek is seeing massaging his mom's legs on the sofa. He saw that she slept and he gave her a forehead kiss and said, "Good night, mom"

Pragya started shouting, "where is the bed"

"shuu.. cant  you see mom sleeping...there is no bed here. we will have to sleep on the ground."

"I cant sleep on the ground. the floor will be hard and I am not used to it."

"Then, dont sleep. Jaagte raho".

He took a bed-sheet and laid it on the ground and started sleeping.

"you are doing it purposely, right?" she yelled.

"What did I do?"

"Making me trouble so much, what wrong did I do? You are angry on King Bhai, then go and trouble him and not me."

"Don't you remember him saying the conditions to marry Alia. He said me to resign from the party and leave the city forever. Remember? So, here we are."

AN HOUR LATER

Pragya couldn't sleep because of the hard floor and she isn't used to this. Abhishek saw that and he pulled her toward him. She lands on his chest.

Having no other go, she slept and in no time she was in deep sleep.

Abhi thinks: I know that you have suffered a lot in your life...I and Alia heard you talking on the engagement day, when you were about to end your life. That's why I sent Alia to you at that time. 

I am not doing this for sympathy neither I did all this to take revenge from you for your family. But for my love.

I wont allow you to be alone anymore. I am there and I will be always there for you. I love you Pragya.

Saying this, he kissed her forehead and slept.

To be contd..

Hope you all are safe and sound.

let me know how is this shot, guys.

Love you all,

SATNAM.