•Zindagi Kahan Kahan Se
Guzarti Chali Gayi
Main Sochti Rahi
Sochti Hi Reh Gayi•

Thakral's POV :-

Pushing the door of a room, I entered inside. The room was completely dark.
They say you can appreciate a light but before that you have to know the darkness... And I have always loved darkness.

Putting my hand inside the pant pocket, I took out a portable pocket walking stick. I always carry it with me in my pocket for safety and self defense. A straight stick formed as I unfolded it. Extending my hand, I pushed the switch with that stick. A yellowish light in the corner of room turned on. Though it was dim, but I like it that way. Didn't I tell you I love darkness...

I looked around the room as it was illuminated in yellow light. Tables, couch, bookshelves, wardrobe and a cozy bed were in the periphery and the centre was relatively unoccupied. There was a big chessboard with atlernate black and white boxes painted in the middle of the floor... The knight, Queen, King, Bishop, Pawns and Rook all set up correctly at their right places on both the sides.

Life is a game of chess
And chess is a game of brain.
And Mahendra Prataap Thakral loves to play with brain....

A game of chess is like an intense battle between kingdoms and this is what chess pieces represent in every game.

Vansh RaiSinghania~ The King. The most important piece in the game of Chess board. I have already given check mate to his father Ajay RaiSinghania years back. Now it's Vansh's turn.

Rivalry is not uncommon in Bussiness world. Ajay was a bussiness Rival. A good one. Poor fellow didn't deserve to die early..Tcshh.. tcshh..

After Ajay's death, Rudra RaiSinghania started handling the bussiness. I was expecting VR associate's downfall but Rudra did everything to maintain the top position of the company... Surprising everyone, even me. Afterall I never expected that spineless man would turn out to be a good businessman...

I had to..i had to engage him somewhere so that his attention gets distracted from VR associates. And their I played my game. Brought back to back foreign deals for him, And Rudra being a bussinessman who never misses any opportunity no matter how small it is, cleared my path...

He got busy with so called foreign deals arranged by me, and I got ample of time to do something that i wanted to... Till now, I would have succeeded in my mission but one mistake ruined my entire plan.... .
I had a fallout with Rudra over a business deal and he bloody challenged me that he can handle this company alone without my support. I had to sell my shares and leave VR associate because my ego was hurt. Another wrong move I took.
In a game of changes 2 wrong moves and game over. This stupid moves of mine would have really done the "The End" of my game.

Sometimes one has to move backward also to get a better move.

I set up another company with the money I had. Worked very hard to bring it in competition with VR associates.

If you want to make two unequal ropes equal , either lenghten the shorter rope, or cut the longer rope. So When even after trying for years, When I couldn't raise upto their level, I thought to pull them down...

It always start with the one move to bring down the king

I sent a spy in VR associates, who would inform me about all the deals that Rudra RaiSinghania would do. This way, I managed to bring few investors for my company. But my spy disappeared all of sudden after Vansh RaiSinghania's arrival.

What did Vansh do with him is still a mystery. And I'll have to solve that mystery because that spy was none other than my own blood.

Yes, Blood of this Mahendra Pratap Thakral. Money in return of Money, and Blood in return of blood.

Because of my imagine in society, I cannot do shed blood openly. But I can tarnish RaiSinghania's image and name in the market. This case that i have filed against RaiSinghanias is the first step towards my goal.

Rule number two of chess : Move in silence and speak only when its time to say checkmate.

I have played fair enough. Now its time to play dirty.... Really dirty. I was calm till now because I was waiting for Vansh's move. But now, it's time. It's time to do what my son couldn't do. It's time to blow RaiSinghania mansion. But no, Thakral won't do anything. His pawn will....

There are times when a well place pawn is more powerful than a king.

And my this pawn will be none other than his Queen.

Life is a game of chess
And chess is a game of brain
If you lose the queen, probably you'll lose the game....

I took out mobile from my pocket and smirked looking at the notification flashing on the screen. Tickets to Chandigarh confirmed : Air India ...

Let a man play chess,and tell him that every pawn is his friend.
Let him think both bishops holy..
Let him remember happy days in the shadow of his castles.
Let him love his queen...

Watch him lose them all....

Once a king is trapped and no other moves will allow him the game is over. Check-Mate.

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Anupriya's POV :-

"Bhaiyaa, What are you doing? How many times did I tell you not to use Roses? "

I shouted at the decorator who was decorating the pillars with the roses. Vansh likes marigold- A flower that is often linked to the powerful strength of the sun and represent power, strength, and light that lives inside of a person.

The decorator appologized and started taking out all the red roses he pasted on the pillar...

I moved towards the temple area. Maa and Mummyjii were sitting with flower baskets around them

"Aaa Anu.. Baith humare sath"

Maa called me. I walked near them... They were making garlands of marigold. I sat near them and took a needle from the needle box and put the thread into the hole of needle.

"Mujhe to yakeen hi nahi horha...aaj humare gattu ka roka hai, woh bhi humari gudiya ke sath..."

Maa said, I smiled at her excitement. She is right. Even I'm finding it difficult to believe. As a mother, I always wanted Riddhima to become independent before marriage. Marrying her off at the age of 23 was the last thing on my mind. She is too young for marriage. But circumstances are such that we are left with no option...

Didi is suffering from a chronic illness. She kept neglecting her health, and thus developed stroke due to uncontrolled hypertension. The only thing that she wished for before being mute for 2-3 days was seeing Vansh's marriage before closing her eyes forever.

"Anu....mai Vansh aur Riddhu ki shadi...shadi to dekh paaungi na....."

I remembered the question she asked few days back before she was rushed to hospital. There was uncertainity in her voice which scared us.

Being a childless divorcee, she always considered my children as her own. Even when I came here with 9 year old Riddhima 15 years back, Didi wanted to adopt her. The younger sister in me wanted to give Riddhima to her and fulfill the void of a child in her life, but I couldn't convince the over possessive mother inside me.

People say, daughters are burden on parents. But my daughters Riddhima, Siya and Ishani were never a burden for me. Ishani was arrongant, rude as a child. Siya was a silent and sweet kid who would talk only when asked to.... But Riddhima was full of life. She was someone who would always find some or the other way to bring smile on our faces. When she managed to make place in our hearts we didn't even realised. She was my companion. Someone who would understand just by looking at me that I'm feeling low. Her little fingers used to massage my head everytime I returned from office exhausted.

I was too attached with her. How could I let someone take Riddhima away from us? So what Riddhima is not my blood, I had accepted her as my daughter the moment she caught my finger in her little fist and walked in VR mansion with me. And a mother can't ever think about donating her daughter, not even to her sister. So,I promised her that she will have equal rights not only on Riddhima but my all child... Sometimes she would come and stay with us in Delhi to spend time with kids, sometimes I'd visit Patiala with kids. All of them are attached with didi except Vansh .. I'm not sure if he even remembers didi's face.

Though Didi's condition is much better presently, but one side of her body is still paralyzed. But now Atleast she can recognize faces and speak few lines. This much would do for time being...

"Mom kya hai yeh sab.... Yeh roka and all... Is this fucking joke to you?"

My trance broke hearing Ishani's loud voice. She was standing in front of us fuming in anger. I kept the garland I was making in the flower basket, and stood up folding my arms.

"Where are your manners Ishani? "

I asked raising my eyebrows. Ishani lowered her eyes for a moment and then again looked back at me.

"What are you doing mom? Why are you so adamnant to ruin Bhai's life? That 2 Rs girl is no where near Bhai. Why don't you...."

Whom are you even trying to convince Ishani. I know you better than u know yourself. No one knows a daughter more than her mother. It's cleary written over her face that she wasn't concerned about Vansh, But about herself. Afterall, Riddhima will get the status of RaiSinghania in society after marrying Vansh.

"Anu... Tujhe nahi lagta tune teri choti wali ko kuch jyada hi choot de rakhi hai. Dekh to kaise jabaan lada rhi hai...."

Maa who has just finished making the garlands, came to us and passed a taunt.

"Nani...."

Ishani was about to argue with maa, but I stopped her showing my palm.

"Don't you Ishani. You don't reslect your mother, but I do...Your elders know better than you. Go, take mummyjii with you to her room. She needs rest. "

She fumed, stomped her leg angrily and left leaving both Maa and Mummyjii dumbstruck at her attutide.

"Anupriya. Bacchi hai woh. Chod na...."

Mummyji said keeping hand on my shoulder. Bacchi, Seriously?

It's all Mummyjii's fault. Anupriya don't beat kids, anupriya don't punish kids, anupriya don't do this...don't do that. Now see the results are in front of you all.... I should have sent Ishani with Vansh in the boardings. This mummyjii's laad pyaar spoilt my children.

"Anu teri saas sahi keh rahi hai. Chod tu use.. Yeh le, wo decorator ko bolke ye mala lagwaade mandir me"

Maa said. I nodded my head and looked around only to find that decorator still busy in putting the lightings. God, He is so slow. I picked up the plate of garland from the the temple area. Holding a garland with my fingers, I got on my toes and raised my arms up, to tie the garland in the temple.

Maa was holding the plate of garlands in her hand, mummyji was passing me garlands one by one, while I was tying them up. ..

"Mujhe to yakeen nahi horha Maa, teen din baad meri beti parayi ho jayegi"

I said looking around at the decorations. My Vansh and Riddhima will get married in 3 days. Why did they grow so soon? And When? I didnt even realised...

"Teri baat sunke lagta hai Anu, tu guddiya ki nhi Gattu ki saas banegi."

Maa joked. Mummyjii and me laughed hearing her. Everyone is so happy. Is this why Didi requested us to prepone the marriage, because she didn't want to see us crying and taking stress about her health? I so wish she was here to witness the functions by herself. Hope so she gets discharged before the marriage....

"Kya baate chal rahi hai maa beti ki...."

We heard a voice and turned only to see Anuj standing on the doorstep carrying few bags and flashing his teeth. Anuj is my brother. Youngest amongst three of us.

A househelp came, and took the bags from Anuj's hand.

"Leke aagya pinniyan? Itni der kaha lagadi..?"

Maa asked him. She had sent him to market that too at 7 am to bring Pinni just because little Vansh use to always demand pinni from his nanu. It was his favourite sweet back then. I still remember, he use to come with me to Patiala just because his nanu use to feed him pinniyan.... Earlier maa use to make pinnis for Vansh at home, but now because of her advancing age, We don't let her enter kitchen much....

" Kya Maa aap bhi... Subah 7 bje kaunsa market khula rehta hai? Mushkil se ek halwaai ko ghar se uthaya aur pinniya bawayi...."

Anuj said. I pressed my lips together to suppress my laughter. Poor soul. Maa had literally warned him not to return back home without pinniyan...

"Ek kaam to dhang se kiya tune..."

She taunted. Maa also naa.. She is too much. She leaves no chance to taunt others. It's her old habit. And you know, old habits die hard...

"Maaa...."

Anuj whinned. I laughed looking at his face. My Poor bhai. Who will say this man who is still kid at heart is father of three...

"Waise didi aapka laadla aaya nahi kya abtak ?"

He asked looking at me.

"Wo to kabka aagya. Tu hi gayab tha tha khoteya"

I was about to answer Anujh but Maa replied cutting me off.

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Vansh's POV :-

Tie ............Set
Blazer........Set
Casuals.....Set
Towels.......Set
Jeans ........Set
Shirts.........Set

Standing in front of the open wardrobe, I checked the arrangements of my clothes and other belongings in the shelf. Whether it's my wardrobe or my life, I like to keep things organized according to me. I'm a control freak. And when something is not under my control, it messes with my braincells.

Vansh ki life me sab set hai. Just like the clothes in this wardrobe.... Wahi hota hai jo Vansh chahta hai...

I took out a small red box from the drawer.

I closed the door of wardrobe and locked it. Even if someone else arranges things for me, its me who decides whether that arrangment will change or not. Didn't I tell you... Wahi hota hai joh Vansh chahta hai.

For example- This alliance. It is happening because I want it to happen. When Mom called me day before yesterday ,and updated me about Maasi's condition I was worried. I asked her if she wants, I can make arrangements to shift maasi to Delhi where she'll be under supervision of top doctors of India. Mom denied saying that Maasi has lost all the hopes of her survival, so she wants to spend her last few days in Patiala only.

When she told me that Maasi was very upset last night thinking that she might not survive to see my marriage, a idea clicked in my mind.

"Mom, I think we should prepone the marriage. Is waqt maasi ko khush rakhna jyada jaruri hai... Aur agar unhe isse khushi milti hai to yahi hoga...... "

I said. Mom was shocked after hearing me. I could guess this because she took almost a minute to respond.

"Vansh, Shadi koi khel nahi hai. Jab man karliya khel lo... Tumhari aur Riddhima ki puri zindagi ka sawaal hai yeh Beta."

She tried to explain but I was not in mood to listen anything.. It's either my way or highway. After seeing that bastard Kabir with Riddhima, I just knew one thing. That is, Riddhima is slipping out of my hands and I need to grab her as soon as possible. Or else, it will be a defeat of Vansh RaiSighania.
I can accept anything, but defeat from that son of bi*ch Kabir... No never.... A 2 Rs hawaaldar can't take my girl away from me.

"Is waqt aapki behen ki zindagi jyada important hai Mom"

I said. Wait, what the fuck did I say? How could a marriage save someone's life. R.I.P Logic.

"Vansh tumhare yeh sab karne se didi theek nahi hone wali hai."

Mom caught me there. She was right. But all I knew was i wanted to marry Riddhima as soon as possible. Even if she is selfish, attention seeker, gold digger or what not. I don't care as long as she is mine. If at all, she is behind money, then She can spend whatever amount she wants from my bank balance. I don't mind.

But I want all of her for myself. Her anger, her smile, her tears, her blush everything....everything should be for me. And I'll make sure it remains that way.

"Jaanta hun. Lekin wo apne aakhri kuch pal khushi se to jee sakti haina... Waise bhi mom, meri aur Riddhima ki shadi aaj nahi to kal honi hai na. ."

I said trying hard not to sound desparate. Manipulating someone is like a skill which I learnt long back to deal with the clients and suppliers in market. And I had to use the same skill on my mom.

"Vansh tum samajh nahi rahe ho. Riddhima abhi bacchi hai. Use ghar grihasti duniyaadaari ka kuch nahi pata. Shadi ke sath bohot si responsibilities aati hai Vansh. Wo in sabke liye bohot choti hai abhi. "

She retorted. What bacchi? For God sake Riddhima is 18 plus and legally eligible for marriage. And how much does she expect Riddhima to grow within a year. Because as far as I know... We were anyways going to get married by next year ,that is after Riddhima's graduation. Isn't it what Dadi and others decided already? And it wasn't like I'm going to abduct her and take her somewhere with me. She is going to stay under the same roof even after marriage. Everything will be same like before. So what's the problem?

"Mom. Trust me with her please. I know what I'm saying."

I said , Mom was quiet for few seconds before I heard her voice again.

"I'm no one to take decision of Riddhima's life. Ask her once. If you both want to do it..
. I. . I won't come in between. "

Mom said with heavy heart before hanging the call.. Ask Riddhima? Why? What is the need to ask Riddhima? It's not like asking her would change anything....

Didn't I tell you Riddhima that you don't have to decide anything when I'm there to decide for you.

Vansh dusron ke hisaab se chalne walon mese to bilkul bhi nahi hai ...

(Vansh is not someone who would work according to others....)

"Knock knock...."

I heard a voice and turned back to see a girl...what was her name.... Ummm yeah... Dolly. She was standing outside the door knocking the already open door with back of her hand and flashing a wide smile to me.

"Gattu bhaiyya. Papa aaye hai... Aapko niche bula rahe hai"

Papa? If I'm not wrong, Dolly is my mom's niece. So her father must be my Uncle... Anuj Mamaji ? Is she daughter of Anuj mamaji ?
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Riddhima's POV :-

Walking out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, I unzipped the luggage bag kept on my bed, and took my clothes from inside. Since I'm sharing the room with Dolly, entire cupboard is packed with her dresses. So ,my clothes are still inside the laguage bag.

Picking up a white brasette from the bag, I dropped the towel and put my hand in the strap of the bra and fitted it against my breast. My hands reach to the back as I tried to hook the ends. A sudden pricking pain shot in my left breast as the material of brasette pressed against my breasts. I pressed my lips together to supress the whimper.

It was so tender that even the contact of my clothes with that area was hurting me.... I walked to the dresser. Standing in front of a big mirror, I unhooked the bra, and pulled down the straps from my shoulders... My breast came into view. There was localized redness in the area around the areola. My fingers automatically touched the peak out my breast only to make me wince in pain at the contact. It was paining before also, but atleast pain wasn't that much. But now, It is so tender that even the contact of my clothes with that area is hurting me....

I removed the bra, rolled it in my hand and put it back into the lagguage bag. Taking out a loose white t-top, I unfolded it, put my head and hand inside and pulled it down to adjust it on my body. After wearing palazzo, I stood in front of mirror, dried my hairs and tied them in a pony tail.

"Guddiya kitna time hai? Tere mamaji bularhe hai... Chhetti chhetti kar.."

(Gudiya, how long will you take? Your mamaji is calling you. Hurry up)

I heard Mami's voice from the other side of door. Keeping the hair brush back on dressor, I picked up my mobile from the bed and latched the door.

As I reached in the hall, I was surprised. All the pillars were wrapped with marigold garlands. As I looked up, One young boy was on the huge chandelier with napkin in his hand, cleaning it. One more boy was climbing on the ladder and putting the lighting series around the grill of upper staircase while the other boy was sitting on the stairs and helping him to connect the wires....

None of these decoration was here two hours back... What is going on? Why so much of decoration when Maasi is in hospital? Why none of us are going to meet maasi in hospital? Why so many unknown faces are roaming around in the house? Someone is carrying a flower basket, whereas someone is putting curtains properly.... Is...is it for the Roka which Mami was talking about? No... No Riddhima. How's that possible? Nothing of that sort is happening ..

I shoved off those thoughts and walked to the living area.
I saw Anupriya Maa, Dadi ,Nani and Mami and Mamaji sitting on the sofa and in front of them boxes of sarees were kept open. A middle aged man with a cap on his head, spectacles and golden chain around his neck was opening the boxes of saree one by one and keeping on the table...

"Arey Guddiya... Aa..."

Mamaji said getting up from the sofa. I smiled looking at him. I'm seeing him after two years and trust me, he haven't changed a bit. Still fit and fine....

I went near him and hugged him. He kept his hand on my head and blessed me.

"How are you?"

I asked. He smiled at me...

"Fit and fine...."

Came his reply. I returned the smile.

"Dolly woh tumhare sath wo ek choti, patli si ladki aayi thina mere room me paani rakhne... Uska samaan chootgya"

Vansh said coming down from the stairs. He opened his fist and gave a clip which might have been fallen in his room.

"Lagta hai didi aapka Gattu sabko bhulgya..."

Mami taunted seeing how Vansh was not able to recall names few minutes back.

"Ye teri Nani hai.. Inhe to janta haina tu..."

Mamaji said catching Nani's hand who was standing next to him

"Mai tera Mama hun aur yeh..."

Mamaji looked at his left and signalled mami with his eyes.

"Oh jii mai, tere mami ki votti... Mera matlab teri mami..."

Mami said coming forward. Vansh didnt look a bit interested in knowing or interacting with anyone. What kind of man he is? It's his family only. He is meeting them after 15 years but still he is not even interested to talk with them.

"Ye Jasleen hai, meri badi beti..."

Mamaji said pointing towards jasleen dii who bowed her head and welcomed Vansh. But Vansh just nodded. How rude mahn. It wasn't looking like a family introduction. He was behaving like this is his office. He us the Boss and someone is intriducing employees with the Boss. Stone hearted. Huh

"Aur ye Dolly hai... "

Mamaji said pointing at Dolly who was serving sherbat to the workers since all the househelps were working.

"Choti beti... Right?"

Vansh said, clearly frustrated. What's with his attitude? Why is he behaving like someone is wasting his time?

"Aur yeh...."

Mamaji pointed at the small girl who was standing with jasleen dii holding her finger.

"Hii... I'm pihu. My mumma's daughter..."

Little pihu replied sweetly.

"Ye meri bacchi aur....Aur ye ....Armaan. Mera beta. Armaan Introduction do apna mamu ko..."

Jasleen dii said looking at Armaan who was sitting on sofa alone playing with a rubic cube. He resumed playing, looked at the Vansh, pushed his spectacles back on his nose bridged.

"I don't talk with strangers mumma...."

Arman replied before concentrating on his rubic cube again. I pressed my lips tightly to supress my laughter.

"I... I'm sorry...Wo baccha hai..."

Jasleen dii appologized for Armaan's behaviour.

"It's ohk. I don't mind"

Vansh replied taking out mobile phone from his pocket.

"Ab intro shintro hogya ho to kapde choose karle... Ye designer bechara kabse aake baitha hai.. "

Mamiji said. Nani and Dadi nodded their heads and asked the designer to show few sarees to them...

"Vansh... Inhe saree select karne do... Tu mere sath chal. Didi ko aspataal me milke aate hai...."

Mamaji said keeping hand on my shoulder. I nodded my head and took out my car keys from my pocket.
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Riddhima's POV :-

"Ye..yeh saree...saree kyu?"

I asked looking at the sarees Anupriya Maa and Mamiji were showing me. What is going on? My head is spinning? Can someone tell me please? What is all this?

"Ye lo. Oh jii, Jeans me roka karoge?"

Dolly facepalmed and Mami rolled her eyes at me. What Roka? Are they talking about mine and Vansh's Roka? No..no Riddhima. Think positive.

"Roka? Lekin maa... Itne jaldi kyu?"

I asked. Anupriya Maa picked up a saree from the box and kept it on my shoulder and looked at me. Why is she looking at me like that?

"Tujhe Vansh ne bataya nahi Riddhima?"

She asked picking up another saree from the box...

"Kya...."

I asked. What was he suppose to tell me? As far as I remember, He didn't tell me anything except that we are leaving for Patiala.

"Yahi ki tumhari teen din me shadi hai..."

Maa blasted the bomb keeping the saree on my other shoulder. My jaws dropped listening to her. This can't be true.. She..she must be joking. Right? No, I don't want to marry. I'm not going to marry him... How is this possible. Three.. Three days. Now what will I do?

"Teen...teen din mai...."

I asked shocked. Why am I the last person to know this? Is this what Vansh was suppose to inform me? That means, He knew everything ..Why didn't he ask me once?

How could you expect him to ask you anything Riddhima? My conscience mocked me. He only knows to impose his will ,his decisions on others.

"But Maa mujhe...."

I tried to speak but Mamiji interuppted..

"Didi ye Gulabi rang kitna khil raha haina humari gudiya pey"

That's when I looked down and saw two saree placed on either of my shoulder. One was dark pink and other one was yellow.

"Pink is Riddhima's favourite Bhabhi. Bohot pyaari dikhogi is saree me tum Riddhima"

Anupriya Maa said looking at me lovingly. I could see tear film forming in her eyes.

She shifted a little making space for Nani. Nani came and sat near me...

"Tune jo Ginni ke liye kiya haina wo mai kabhi nahi bhulungi..".

Nani spoke taking my hands in her trembling ones. I looked at Anupriya Maa confused who just nodded her head.

"Maine...maine kya kiya nani ginni maasi ke liye.. Woh thik to haina?".

I asked pressing Nani's hand. I could see tears forming in her eyes. And to be honest, it was scaring me. What is going on? I looked at Maa and Mamiji who were looking at me sadly.

"Jabse ye shadi ke khabar suni hai ginni didi ne, khush rehne lagi hai...."

Mamiji said coming forward. For a second, I felt relieved hearing that maasi was doing well. But what it has to do with this marriage fiasco?

"Tune aur gattu ne ginni ki iccha ka maan rakha.... Mai nahi janti kaise..."

Nani joined her hand in front of me bowing her head. I was shocked. I immediately caught her hands and nodded my head in a No.

"Nani ye kya karrhi hai aap.... "

I said dumbfounded. She is elder to me. I want to her hands on my head to give me blessing. But by joining this same hands in front of me, she is making me feel guilty.

"Maine..maine kuch nahi kiya... Mai."

I said but stopped seeing the tears that were flowing from her eyes. I have never seen Nani broken like this.

"Maa... Bus karo rona... Dii thik hai. Suna nahi unhone kya kaha tha... Unke liye khabardar kisine ek aasu bahaya to...."

Anupriya Maa back hugged Nani and tried to calm her. I didn't know what to say. There is some misunderstanding I'm sure. I....I need to clear it...

"Guddiya tum ye sab mat socho. Aaj tumhara roka hai beta. Chalo batao kaunsi saree pehenogi?"

Mami asked looking at the two sarees that were kept on my shoulder...

Anupriya Maa wiped her tears and picked up the dark pink saree from my shoulder.

"Riddhu, jaao ye try karke aao..."

She said. I have to talk to her. I'll have to clear her misunderstanding before its too late.

" Maa, mujhe aapse baat karni hai. Yeh ... Yeh roka..."

I tried to say but Nani cut me of.

"Baadme karlena Guddiya. Pehle ja jakar ye try karke aa... Samay bohot kam hai humare paas. Shyaam tak saari taiyaariya bhi to karni hai"

I kept mum not knowing what to say. It would be better if I talk to Anupriya Maa when she is alone. I'm sure she'll understand. Only she can help me... Maa...maa will tell everyone that its just a misunderstanding. I... I don't want to marry Vansh. I can't even think about marrying him.

Taking the dark pink saree from Anupriya Maa's hand, I got up and went upstairs....
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Vansh's POV :-

We just came from Hospital. I was talking with Mamaji near the pillar. He wanted me to give business related advice to jasleen's husband, who was struggling to set his start up. Then he went on telling how talented and hardworking jasleen's husband is and that I should join hands with him...

I wasn't a bit interested in listening him. Because firstly... Vansh RaiSinghania never mixes his personal and professional life. You are my relative that doesn't mean I will welcome you in my firm with a garland.

Secondly, Perfect se kam mujhe nahi chahiye. Aur perfect se jyada mai expect karta hun... I don't compromise on quality.

"Aur pata hai puttar... Uska bhawanipur me bada kaarkhana tha"

Mamaji went on and on like a tape recorder, now even my ears started aching. I turned my neck in the side, my eyes landed where it shouldn't. Riddhima was sitting like a statue while Mom and Mami were opening the saree and placing it on her shoulder to see if the colour suits her. The sarees were quite old pattern but no doubt, they were looking very beautiful on Ridhhima... In every colour,she was looking like a blooming flower.

Whatever Mamaji were saying, was falling on deaf ears as my entire concentration was on Riddhima who was busy staring into nothing. I noticed her fingers that were fumbling with each other... Something she does only when she is nervous. I know this marriage thing came all of sudden but we were anyways going to get married... So by now she should have come in terms with it.

"Puttar, ek gal das....."

Mamaji said...I turned my head to look at him... But just then i saw a boy near the pillar behind Mamaji... He was tying curtain on the pillar but his eyes were somewhere else. I followed the direction of his gaze. I seethed in anger seeing the place where his gaze landed.

Riddhima's chest.... Disgusting.... I closed my eyes and clenched my jaw to control my anger. Mom said something to Riddhima and she went upstairs taking the saree. Otherwise I would have taken that bastard's eyeballs from his socket , if he dared to stare at my even for a second more.

"Mamajii... Ek minute bus... I need to call Angre.
Excuse me."

I said and put my hand in the pant pocket to take out my mobile. Dialling a number, I pressed the call button and turned sideways.

"Hello Angre..."

Speaking on the phone, I started walking.I just needed a excuse to save my ears from mamaji's taperecorder like repeatative voice. And what could be a better excuse than work...

My blood boiled seeing that bastard worker who was staring Riddhima shamelessly few minutes back. I ascended the staircase not before glaring at that son of bit*h.

Just then, I noticed a red lighting wire wrapped around the railing. I looked down from the railing and saw that bastard standing just below it. You think you can get away easily after eyeing my sweetheart.... In your dreams Brother. I smirked evilly at my thoughts.

Without much delay, I took out a pocket blade from my pant's pocket. Catching the wire between my thumb n index finger, I gave a sharp cut and withdrew my hand. The live wire unwrapped from the railing on its own and hand down loosely before falling on the person standing below it....

Poor guy. Got electroculated while others looked at him shocked. Keeping the pocket blade back into my pant ,I walked not a bit interested in helping that pervert.

A gasp from behind made me turn. I looked back only to see Riddhima standing behind me covering her mouth with both of her hands. For the first time, the fear in her eyes scared me. Did... Did she see what I... Oh fuck.

I scratched my neck not knowing how to explain this.

"Riddhima. Listen"

I tried to speak but her wide eyes made me stop. She took a step back.

"Riddhima... You listen to me"

I said taking a step forward. She moved back untill the pillar hit her.

Before I could say anything further, Riddhima started running as if even my presence was scaring her. I was about to chase her but stopped in my track when I saw Angre's message flashing on the mobile screen.

"Boss. Our sources have informed that Mr. Thakral was last seen in Delhi Airport. Most probably he has boarded a flight to Chandigarh"

What the fuck. I muttered few colourful words under my breath and kept the mobile back in my pocket not before switching it off.

This can't be a coincidence. Is he following us? What are you upto Thakral? Whatever you are plotting, Bring it on. I promise Vansh will always be two step ahead of you.
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Riddhima's POV :-

I was runing in the corridors of the villa, wiping my tears with the back of my hand.... My leg bumped a wooden stool in the corner of verrandah by mistake, resulting in the flower pot to fall down, I turned back and saw the flower pot ready to hit the ground at any moment. It wasn't the flowerpot that i saw fallings, it was my dreams, my wishes..... I extended my hand to catch it but it was too late. The flowerpot broke, shattering into pieces just like my heart, my dreams and my aspirations.....

"Mujhe...mujhe shadi nahi karni hai usse..."

Whispering to myself, I gulped the saliva as my throat was getting dry. This place was making me feel suffocated. I was feeling like he is still somewhere near me... I just want to run as far as I can from him. I stumbled a few times due to the saree that i was wearing, but it didnot stop me... I just want to run away... Run away to a place where no one could find me....

My forehead and neck was covered with sweat and I was feeling breathless. When felt like I couldn't breath anymore, I stopped and took the support of a pillar. Resting my back against it, I was hyperventilating. Wiping my forehead and neck with the free edge of the saree and took few deep breathes and tried to calm myself....

"Wo...wo nafrat karta hai mujhse. Wo...wo mujhe bhi....."

My voice cracked remembering the scene i saw in front of me a minute ago. I saw him cutting the live wire with a blade. It was not a accident, he purposed did it.. He purposely cut the wire so that it falls on that worker. Vansh...Vansh electrocuted him. How could he do that? How could someone be so cruel?

I sat on the floor resting my back against the pillar. I started feeling tightness in my chest. Rubbing my chest with my hand, I closed my eyes. A blurred face appeared in front of me... Mom.. She was my mom... Her smiling face is the only thing I remember before she was crushed under the truck on that fateful day....

Why are you not here Maa? Why aren't you here to solve the problem of your riddhu? You...you know I'm getting married.... Getting married to a monster who threw a live wire on a boy in front of my eyes just few minutes ago and I couldn't do anything. I couldn't even stop him mumma... He is a monster. I can't face him... He badmouthed you also. Even that time I couldn't do anything. I feel so weak in front of him Maa. I can't even think about spending one moment with him... Then how will I spend my entire life with him.... No... No ...

"Jo apki izzat nahi karta usse..usse mai shadi nahi karsakti..."

Saying this, I got up with the support of pilliw and ran towards my place... Yes, my place.

Stepping up the stairs, I walked hurridly to the upper floor. My leg entangled in the saree that I was wearing .. I was about to fall on head, but at right time I balanced myself by catching the railing. Bending down, I removed the heels and threw them on the stairs...

Standing in front of a closed wooden door, I wiped my tears. I touched the door, Dust particles that were settled on it came in contact with my fingers. Taking out a clip from my hair, I entered it in the key hole and rotated it inward. The lock opened, I took it out and pushed the wooden door.

The room was dark, there was not even a single source of light except for the window which were now covered with webs of spiders. Walking inside the room, I saw a photo hanging on the wall. But I couldn't see the face properly because of inadequate lighting. I looked around and saw a bamboo stick behind the old rusted almirah. Taking the stick, I held it in my hand and striked the window with it. The rusted window glasses opened from midline, allowing some light to come in... I dropped the stick, and went near window to breath fresh air....

Closing my eyes, I took rapid breaths. Turning back, I looked at the huge photo frame hanging on the wall.

Flashback

"Guddiyan dheere.... Dheere guddiyan. Gir jaaogi"

A middle aged woman was running in the corridor behind 9 year old Riddhima.

"Nahi gilungi... Nani mujhe pakdo...."

Little Riddhima spoke turning back to look at her tired Nani who was gasping.

"Bhaago mat guddiya. Idhar aao"

The old lady called. But little Riddhima kept her hand on her waist and nodded her head negatively.

"Guddiya aapke paas nahi aayegi Nani. Guddiya chupegi..."

Her little feet ran in the verrandah to find a place to hide from oldie nani's eyes.

"Lekin mai chupe kaha? Mujhe to koi jagah hi nhi pata"

Riddhima stood confused looking at the rooms that were locked from outside. Even the curtains hanging fron the pillars were too high to hide her small frame. She bite her nails looking around.

"Pakad liya guddiya ko...."

A gasp left her mouth due to the sudden attack by her nani who was now giving a victory smile to little Riddhima.

"Kyuki guddiya ko chupne ki jagah nahi pata. Ye guddiya ka meka nahi haina.. Isliye mujhe kuch nahi pata."

Kiddo Riddhima complained to her Nani who was trying to decipher the meaning of her guddiya's words....

"Meka?"

She asked to little Riddhima who facepalmed seeing her clueless Nani

"Offo. Wo anupriya maa bolrhi thi na unhe sab pata hai kyuki ye unka meka hai... "

Little Riddhima said recalling the words her Anupriya mom said to the servants who were asking her how she knows that silver utensils for Bhog were kept in the storage room...

"Mayka."

Nani corrected the little girl.

"Mayka kya hota hai nani?".

Curious Riddhima asked. This fancy word was running in her mind since the time she heard it from her Anupriya Maa's mouth

"Ladki ki mata pita ka ghar uska mayka hota hai...".

Nani explained her in the easiest way possible.

This hitted Riddhima hard. The little girl lowered her face sadly

"Phir mera to koi mayka hi nahi hai"

She uttered almost on the verge of crying. Though Anupriya was somewhat successful in fullfilling the void of a mother in Riddhima's life but some things or some incidents would always reminds riddhima of her biological mother- The one with whom she spent 8 years of her life. The one whom she saw dying in front of her eyes...

"Kisne kaha? "

Nani asked trying to divert her attention. But Riddhima did not reply. Soon big big tear drops started falling from Riddhu's small small eyes.

"Accha ro mat guddiyan. Chal mere sath"

Nani wiped Riddhima's eyes and then lifted little Riddhima in her arms. Patting Riddhima's back, she walked across the verrandah and went to the upper floor. Any of the Family members use to hardly go there as the upper floor was mostly for servants. There were servants rooms, toilets , kitchen and laundary.

Nani placed little Riddhima back on the ground and opened the rusted lock of a room with a small key that was hidden behind all the other big keys in the keybunch.

The door opened and little Riddhu ran inside imprinting her tiny feets in the dust scattered on the floor.... Her steps halted as her almond eyes fell on the photoframe that was hanging on the wall.

"Maa.... "

Her little eyes recognized her mother's image. Nani approached near Riddhu and turned her so that see could see her face.

"Ye janti hai kaunsi jagah hai?"

Nani asked. Riddhima shook her head negatively.

"Teri Maa ka kamra hai"

Nani replied with a smile. There were whirlpool of emotions in Riddhima's eyes.

"Maa yahi rehti thi?"

She asked ,wanting to know more about her real mother. Last thing her little brain remembered was living with her mother in a small house somewhere in Delhi.

"Jabse teri maa ittu-si thi.. ."

Nani said pinching her finger to indicate how small her mother was when she use to live here with them.

Little Riddhima's feet roamed around the room to see the place where her mother use to live. She touched the wooden cupboard with her little fingers. The old woman went near her and opened the door of cupboard.

"Ye teri maa ke kapde hai."

She said pointing at the colourful sarees that were in the cupboard. After Riddhima's mother's death in an accident, they wanted to burn all the sarees and donate the little jwellary the deceased had. But Anupriya stopped them saying that only Riddhima has right over her mother's belonging.

Just when that old lady was about to close the cupboard, a box fell down from the rack. It rolled and stopped near Riddhima's little feet, unlocking in the process.

"Ye bhi maa ka hai Nani ?"

Riddhu asked picking up the golden bangle that fallen out from the box. It was too big to fit in her her small wrist. Nani nodded taking the bangle from Riddhima and kept it back into the box.

"Jaha maa rehti hai wo mayka hota haina Nani"

Riddhima asked to her Nani who was locking the cupboard.

"To kya ye mera mayka hai?"

She asked unsure of her nani's answer. The old woman bend down to match Riddhima's height and kissed her forhead.

"Haan mera baccha. Yahi tera mayka hai.... "

Flashback ends.

I stood in front of my mother's photoframe.

"Mujhe kuch samajh nahi aarha Mumma mai kya karu...."

I asked joined my hand in front of her. I know she is not physically present around me, but I also know that she is watching her Riddhima from above.

"Mujhe aaj aap apne paas chupalo. Jaise...jaise bachpan me chupati thi."

I requested bowing my head in front of my mother's photo as the faint memories of Mumma hiding me with her saree from a man appeared in front of my eyes. Who was that man? I tried to remember but could only recall his blurred face.

"Riddhima.... Riddhima...tu andar haikya......"

I gasped hearing the voice of mami from outside the door. No... No i don't want to go out. Vansh knows that I have seen what he did with that innocent worker... He.. He'll do the same with me.

I wiped my tears and looked around to find any place to hide from everyones eyes.

"Mai niche nahi jana chahti Maa. Please mujhe chupa lo kahi"

I prayed looking at my mom's photoframe. When Mami's voice grew louder, I looked around and saw a wooden table. Reaching near the table, I bent down and adjusted myself properly under it.

"Janti hun sab mera wait karrhe honge. Mujhe dhoond rahe honge. Lekin mai akele rehna chahti hun maa. Aapke paas"

I spoke looking at maa's photo which was half visible from the table under which I was hiding.

"Aapko sharminda to nhi karrhi hun naa Mai?"

I asked her. I don't know why, but I'm feeling guilty. I'm feeling like I'm bretraying my family... I don't know why I am feeling like this...

"Bohot bechaini horhi hai mumma...kuch samajh nahi aarha kya karu...."

I said closing my eyes. I remember when I was a kid, Mom use to always say that whenever I will be in problem, she'll always help me, guide me...

".please maa...."

I requested with my eyes closed. Just then I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Maa ...."

The word involuntarily left my lips and I opened my eyes only to meet with the blood shot of. ...Him.

"Va... Vansh"

I covered my mouth with my hands and my eyes widened seeing him. He was wearing a sherwani.

"Kisi aur ko expect kar rahi thi sweet...heart..."

He said in a dangerous tone that scared every bit of me. The way he was looking at me was making me tremble in fear.

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A/N .. Prrcap :- Badme😑. Sone do ab mujhe thodi der. 10 bje hospital jana hai.

Do guess the song🙈. Its really close to my heart. Google karlena agar nahi pata kyu to😂.

Next update :- friday (short update. Will try to write upto 2000 words. I wanted to complete the roka n engagement part in this epi only. But ab bohot derse likhrhi hu thak gyi. Parso short update deke roka engagement n baki kuch scenes hai wo finish karti. ) also last time ka prrcap dalna baki hai.. Will include it in next update in vansh's POV..yaha end me pura riddhu ka pov aagya to woh fit nhi hua yaha.