Apartment Community Hall.

Ishita and Raman who were lost in their own small world failed to notice that Ruhi, Adi and Pihu had quietly come looking for Ishita just as they had started to dance. When they saw them dancing and having a moment they silently slipped into a corner from where Ishita and Raman could not see them but they had a clear view of the couple on the dance floor. After the dance the children saw them hug and talk briefly before Ishita rushed out followed closely by Raman.

Ishita is herself in shock as she walks out of the community hall. She herself cannot believe what she's just said to him. Even though she did not tell him directly who they are and what they mean to each other she must have surely intrigued his mind. She wants to go back to him and check that he is okay but she fears if he asks her one question she will blab out the truth. So she does not even look back. She thinks about going home but she isn't ready to face anyone yet. She first needs to overcome her fear that she is about to lose him forever the next day so she decides to step out for a walk in the night to calm her mind and sort through her thoughts. She will think how to deal with the million questions Raman might have tomorrow.

She heads towards the apartment main gate. Within seconds Raman also comes out of the community hall. He manages to catch a fleeting glimpse of Ishita just as she was stepping out of the building and heading towards the apartment main gate. Instinctively he decided to follow her.

Inside the community hall Adi, Ruhi and Pihu are hugging each other.

Ruhi: Mujhe yakeen nahin ho raha maine kya dekha!

Adi: I know. Papa aur Ishimaa bilkul pehle ki tarah.

Pihu: Now I have hopes ki Papa ki Mihika Aunty se shaadi nahi hogi. Engagement hui nahi, Mehndi Ishimaa ke hathoon me lagi aur ab Sangeet pe couple dance bhi un dono ne hi kiya! Sari rasmein toh Papa aur Ishimaa kar rahein hai!

Ruhi: But jab dono yahan se nikle toh pareshaan lag rahe the. Aur yeh log itni raat ko apartment ke bahar kahan chale gaye? Ishimaa ka toh phone bhi us chair pe hai.

Adi: Dono saath hai na toh kya hoga? Aa jayenge jab aana hoga. Hum chalte hai- Patti ke yahan sab ko bata denge ki woh dono saath nikle hai par apne ghar pe kisi se kuch mat kehna warna Simmi bua peeche peeche nikal jayengi unko dhoondhne ke liye.

Ruhi: Pihu tumhare earring ne toh woh kamal kar diya jo hum sab mil ke nahin kar paye aur dekho mila bhi toh kaha- tumahre lehnga mein phasa hua tha!

Adi: Ab ghar chalo!

Pihu: Ishimaa ka phone toh le lo!

Adi goes gets her phone and all three of them happily go back home.

A deserted road.

Ishita is walking on the footpath of a deserted road. Raman is a few feet behind her but she has not noticed him. As she walks she is taking deep breaths and with every breath that she exhales she is trying to push out the fear that has suddenly possessed her mind. She tells herself that she has come this far fighting for the the love of her life and their family- it can't all be for nothing. Nothing can go wrong tomorrow for Raman will not marry Mihika.

Raman is walking behind Ishita. His mind is buzzing with the words she said to him just before she left. What did she mean? Is she someone important in his life whom he has forgotten? Everyone had told him that she was always their neighbour and because Pihu grew up with her around she is attached to her. Raman assumed Adi and Ruhi must have also been around her as kids so they are close to her too and Raman knows that she helped Mani- her childhood best friend- raise Aliya which is why she calls Ishita Amma. But was there more to them than this in the past? He always assumed that he was drawn to her at first because she was kind to him and later because she brought Pihu back in his life and they both shared a very strong bond- and all he wanted was to share a similar bond with Pihu!

As Raman is walking down the road he get's a very strong feeling that he has walked down such deserted roads before and a flashback comes to his mind for a few seconds.

Raman stops dead in his track because for the first time his recollection was not blurry but the image in his mind was crystal clear but from such a far away distance that he could not tell who it was. He guessed that since it is his memory the man who he saw must be him but who was the lady? He had no clue. He closed his eye again in hopes that the flashback would come to his mind again but it was like trying to hold water in closed fists- it slipped away instantaneously.

When Raman opened his eyes he was surprised to find Ishita nowhere in sight. He looked around the road a little further and saw that the road turned around the corner so he knew she must have turned there which is why he could not see her. He quickened his pace so that he could have her back in his range of sight and just then 2 motorbikes passed him. Seeing him alone they stopped and both the men on the back seats stepped off the bikes while the drivers stood there with the bike engines running.

The men came and blocked Raman's path.

Raman: Excuse me aap mera rasta rok rahe hain.

Guy 1: Jan booch ke roka hai tera rasta.

Guy 2: Apna wallet de!

Raman: Nonsense. Mere raste se hath jaiye!

One of the guys pulls out a pocket knife and shoves it close to Raman's face.

Guy 2: Chup chap sara maal humein de de warna...

Raman pushes the guy who was standing close to him with a knife back with a lot of force so that he stumbles and falls.

Raman: Sharafat se keh raha hoon niklo yahan se.

Guy 1: Teri itni himmat!

He charges toward Raman with the intention to punch him but Raman blocks his punch signle handedly. He then turns him around, twists his arm and kicks him on his backside so that he too goes and falls next to the guy with the knife. They both stand up and come charging at Raman together but Raman effectively blocks both their attacks using his hands and with his feet he kicks them away. By then the two drivers also turn off the bike engines to join in. Raman now knows he is majorly outnumbered but he somehow manages to keep fighting them off for a minute but he knows he can't keep up for much longer. Suddenly two of the men grab hold of Raman tightly so that he can't move and the guy with the knife comes charging at him. Just as he is about to stab Raman with his knife a thick rod appears out of no where and hits the guy on his head. He drops the knife and clutches his head.

As he falls Raman sees a furious Ishita standing behind him. Ishita's sudden appearance is all the distraction that was needed, in one swift move Raman manages to break free and he beats both of them up. Ishita proceeds to beat the third guy ignoring the guy she just hit on the head as he is lying on the road clutching his head.

One guy grabs hold of Ishita by her neck.

Guy 1: Pagal ladki...kyun pad gai beech mein...lagta kya hai yeh tera joh tu iske liye lad rahi hai?

Ishita: SAB KUCH!!

Raman notices Ishita is trapped and immediately goes frees her and starts beating up the guy as if he is going to kill him. Ishita stumbles a little, coughs a few times, then again grabs the thick rod and starts hitting any of the three her rod can touch. By then the guy who was knocked down by her regains his composure. He picks up his knife and comes charging at Raman. Ishita sees this just in time, comes in front of Raman blocking him so that when the man slashes his knife in the air it comes in contact with Ishita's left upper arm leaving a deep, long cut. Ishita screams, falls on the ground as the rod falls from her right hand and she immediately takes her right hand to apply pressure on the cut to stop the bleeding. Raman goes mad seeing blood drip out of her cut and hearing her scream. He single handedly starts beating all of them like a man possessed and all four of them sense that if they stay any longer he shall beat each one of them to death. They quickly run towards their bike and hurriedly drive away.

Raman chases them for a bit then he runs back to Ishita.

Raman: Tum pagal ho kya? Beech mein achanak kahan se aa gai? Dekho kya ho gaya! Tum...

He is at loss for words and before he knows it tears are spilling out of his eyes.

Ishita: Raman aap theek ho na? Aapko kuch ho jata toh? Kya zaroorat thi mere peeche aane ki?

Raman: Haath hatao mujhe chot dekhne do.

Ishita: Nahi bleeding aur badh jayegi. Ek kam karo meri saree ke pallu ko phado so that hum ise bandh sake. Pressure se bleeding ruk jayega.

Raman graps her saree and tears it, she removes her hand and he quickly ties it tightly round her wound but he can see that the cut is deep.

Raman: Hospital jana hoga.

Ishita: Thodi dur pe ek hospital hai. 5 minutes by foot.

Raman stands up and gives her his arm. She grabs hold with her right hand and he gently pulls her up. As soon as she stands up she feels dizzy and stumbles a little. She thinks in her mind that perhaps she has lost a little more blood than she thought. Raman sees her stumble, wraps his arm around her waist and pulls her close to him so that she can rest her head on his shoulder. He waits for a few minutes, then pulls her back and looks at her with concern. He can see her face is very pale and she is trying hard to hide the pain.

Raman: Tum thik ho? Chal paogi?

Ishita: Hmm...

Ishita starts walking with Raman beside her who has one of his hands around her waist for support. They walk slowly for a few minutes. Finally Raman spots the hospital however Ishita starts to feel dizzy again and stumbles. Raman immediately lifts her in his arm and walks towards the hospital as quickly as he can.

Hospital

Raman carries Ishita to the emergency and a nurse rushes to attend to them immediately. She brings a wheel chair and Raman gently lowers Ishita into it. Ishita is still very dizzy.

Nurse: Yeh kaise hua?

Raman quickly narrates the incident.

Nurse: Kitne der pehle?

Raman: Shayad 15 minutes.

Nurse: Inki aur koi health condition hai?

Raman has no clue but fortunately for him just then Ishita opens her eyes and looks at the nurse.

Ishita: BP and I am anaemic. Kuch din pehle main bimaar padi thi tab diagnose hua but BP ki problem pehle se hai.

Raman is taken aback hearing this.

Nurse: Phir toh itna blood loss bilkul theek nahi hai. Aapka blood group?

Ishita: O positive.

Nurse: Main blood bank mein check karti hun. Doctor bus aa hi rahein hai.

The nurse hurries off, her colleague comes and pushes Ishita's wheelchair into an examining room. Raman silently follows them in. The nurse helps Ishita lie down and with a scissor she cuts open the left sleeve of Ishita's blouse so that the wound is completely exposed. The doctor comes just then.

Doctor: Inhein kaun le ke aya?

Raman: Main.

Doctor: Mr.??

Raman: Raman Bhalla.

Doctor: Nurse ne mujhe bataya kya hua. Don't worry Mr. Bhalla your wife is in safe hands. Nurse 1 unit glucose le ke aao pehle. Mrs. Bhalla ka face pale hai. Start glucose while we wait for blood from the blood bank.

Raman wants to correct the doctor and tell him that she is not his wife but he stops thinking it's more important she gets treated first.

Raman: Why wait for the blood bank? Main blood de deta hoon.

Doctor: Aapka bloog group?

Raman has no clue what his blood group is.

Ishita: B postitive hai inka.

Raman is stunned that Ishita knows his blood group.

Doctor: I'm sorry Mr. Bhalla. Your blood groups don't match.

The doctor then goes to Ishita and starts to untie the torn saree that is covering the wound. Ishita winces in pain and looks away, Raman hurriedly grabs her right hand and squeezes it reassuringly. The doctor examines her wound and then looks at Raman.

Doctor: Mr. Bhalla your wife is very lucky. Zada deep cut nahin hai. She will need a few stitches but we can do it on local anaesthesia and since cut metal se hua hai 1 tetanus shot. Nurse glucose ka 1 unit abhi de degi usse inka dizziness will come under control and jaise hi blood milta hai I'll do the stitches. Then you can take her home. Tab tak ek temporary dressing kar raha hun to keep pressure to control the bleeding for now.

The doctor quickly does the dressing and Ishita winces a little everytime he moves her arm around and squeezes Raman's hand tightly.

Raman: Relax Ishita. Dekho he's almost done.

The doctor leaves saying he will be back when the blood arrives and the nurse will start a drip in a few minutes.

Raman: Kya zaroorat thi wapas aane ki? Tum pagal ho kya? Apni safety ka zara bhi khayal nahin hai kya tumhein?

Ishita: Aapko kya zaroorat thi mere peeche aane ki? Na aap aate aur na hi yeh sab hota.

Raman: Oh Jhansi ki Rani! Main nahi hota na toh aage jake tum unhein mil jati! Phir kya hota?

Ishita: Dekha nahi aapne. Main charon pe bhari pad rahi thi.

Raman: Haan tabhi toh tum aise is haal mein padi hui ho! Dikh raha hai kaun kispe kitna bhari pad gaya.

Just then a nurse comes in and puts an IV for the glucose on Ishita's right hand forcing Raman to let go of her hand.

Raman: Tumne koi contract le rakha hai kya Bhallas ki jaan bachane ki? Pehle Pihu phir ab main.

Ishita: Ab kya karun. Meri jaan basti hai us ghar mein.

Raman looks at her with raised eyebrows.

Ishita: Main Pihu ki baat kar rahi hoon!

Raman: Maine thodi kuch kaha!

The doctor and nurse interrupt them. The nurse quickly sets up a suture tray. The doctor removes the temporary dressing and begins to thoroughly clean the cut. He is about to inject her with local anaesthesia when Ishita stops him.

Ishita: Raman aap bahar wait kar lo.

Doctor: It's a simple procedure Mrs. Bhalla. He can stay.

Ishita: I know that but inhein needles aur injections pasand nahin hai isliye...

Raman is again surprised that Ishita knows this but he decides to step out anyway for more than his fear of needles and injections he is worried that he won't be able to see Ishita in pain during the procedure.

Raman waits outside for what seems like the longest 15 minutes of his life. The doctor comes out, informs Raman that he had to do 4 stitches after which they have started giving her a unit of blood. Her dressing needs to be kept dry and she should come to the hospital on the third day from now to get her dressing changed. The stitches will automatically dissolve within a week. He then gives a prescription with some pain medication for when the anaesthesia wears off. Raman thanks him and goes back in.

Ishita is lying with her eyes closed. Weakness and exhaustion have finally taken over as she falls into a light sleep. Raman sits next to her gently stroking her head as he watches her fall asleep. He wonders what made her fight for him like that? Why did she come in front of him so that the knife cut her? Why did she risk her life for him? These and a few hundred more questions were running through his mind when the nurse walks in. She removes the IV and tells him that he can take her home. Raman is about to shake her to wake her up but he sees her looking somewhat peaceful and decides to wait until she wakes up on her own.

Ishita wakes up after about 20 mintues. She finds Raman at her bedside looking intently at her. She sits up with his support. Raman quickly finishes the paperwork and they are given the all clear to leave. The hospital calls for a cab for them since neither has their phones and they head back home.

Common corridor outside Bhalla-Iyer Residence:

Raman and Ishita walk back in complete silence. It is after 2 am and both of them are exhausted. Ishita is about to go in when Raman stops her and hand her a small packet. Ishita looks at him quizzically.

Raman: Doctor ne painkillers diye hai. If you need them...

Ishita: Thank you. Aaj aapne meri bahut help ki.

Raman: Ab yeh thank yous ka silsila agar abhi shuru kiya toh yahin khade khade subah ho jayegi.

Ishita nods and goes inside. Since the Iyers knew where Ishita was they had all gone to bed worry free. Ishita is happy that no one has stayed awake for her for she does not want to tell anyone about the incident that happened tonight and cause them unnecessary worry. Ishita enters her room and is surprised to find Pihu sleeping on her bed. She assumes she fell asleep while waiting for Ishita to come back home. Ishita covers her with a blanket and lightly kisses her forehead before quietly going to the bathroom to freshen up and change.

Bhalla House

Unlike at the Iyers, the Bhallas had no clue that Raman was with Ishita. Raman comes in and sees a visibly worried Simmi and Param pacing around in the drawing room.

Raman: Tum log ab tak jag kyun rahe ho?

Simmi: Bhai! Thank God aap aa gaye. Main bus police ko call karne hi wali thi.

Raman: Aisa kya ho gaya?

Simmi: Bhai aap bina kisi ko kuch bole chale gaye. Aapka phone bhi yahin tha so hum aapko contact nahin kar paye.

Simmi is holding Raman's phone in her hand. Raman takes his phone and pockets it. Usually he never hides anything from Simmi but today for some reason he feels like he doesn't need to share what transpired between him and Ishita with anyone. Before Raman has an opportunity to reply his phone starts ringing. He checks it and is surprised to see Ishita calling. He answers the call immediately.

Raman: Hello! Sab theek toh hai na?

Ishita: Haan. Actually aapko batana tha ki Pihu yahan so gai hai. I think woh mera wait kar rahi thi aur uski aakh lag gai.

Raman: Oh! That's ok. No problem at all. Thanks for letting me know. Please rest and take care.

Raman is trying hard to talk to her without taking Ishita's name for he does not want anyone to know it's her calling.

Ishita: Don't worry. Aap bhi rest karna. Good night. Main morning mein Pihu ko bhej dungi.

Raman: Ok! Good night!

Raman hangs up just as a worried Mihika comes there.

Mihika: Raman! Thank God you're ok! Kahan the aap?

Raman: Main koi baccha nahi hoon jo har pal sabko apni khabar deta rahoon. Tum log na please chill karo aur ja ke so jao.

Suddenly Raman thinks of something.

Raman: Mihika Pihu kahan hai?

Mihika: Apne room mein so rahi hogi aur kahan hogi.

Raman: Ya of course! Chalo good night. Sab so jao.

Raman walks away pondering over the fact that Mihika has no clue where Pihu is and neither is she worried. She clearly hasn't checked on Pihu even once- so is she the ideal mother for Pihu? Raman is exhausted by the time he reaches his room, he quickly showers, changes into his night clothes and goes to bed. He's asleep within minutes and all he dreams about the entire night is Ishita!

February 11th 2018:
Bhalla House:

Just like the previous three days the house is buzzing with activity in the morning. Preparations are in full swing for the Haldi. Simmi is on high alert today because she knows the children will try to disrupt the function so that Mihika does not get to apply Raman's Haldi. Because of Simmi's determination the kids know it will be a tough challenge for they have to wait for the Haldi to be applied to Raman before they can take it to Ishita.

In order to make it impossible for the children to take the Haldi, Simmi has decided that both Raman and Mihika will sit for the haldi at the same time with a parda between them- so that as soon as they are done applying Haldi to Raman they can apply it immediately to Mihika without giving an opportunity to the children to do anything mischievous.

The kids all worry since Simmi has made a pretty full proof plan this time around. Pihu goes to the mandir in the house and prays.

Pihu: Mata Rani sirf meri Ishimaa hi Papa ki wife hai. Isliye ab aap hi kuch aisa karo ki Papa ki Haldi Ishimaa ko hi lage.

Pihu decides that she will keep praying in the Mandir until her prayers are not answered. Simmi brings Raman and Mihika down. Raman is about to go sit when he sees Pihu in the mandir. He goes to her and bends down to whisper in her ears.

Raman: Princess Mata Rani se kya maang rahi hai?

Pihu who has decided not to stop praying until her prayers are answered does not say a word and continues to pray with her eyes shut and hands folded in front of Mata Rani.

Raman: Waise aapko pata hai Mata Rani bachoon ke prayers sab se jaldi sunti hai. So aapko khade reh ke itna pray karne ki zaroorat nahin hai. Chalo na beta haldi mein. Accha chalo Papa bhi khade hoke Mata Rani ko bol dete hai ki Pihu ki Prayer sun le aur jo woh chahiti hai use wahin mile.

Raman goes silent and prays for a minute.

Raman: Ab toh chalo beta!

Pihu still does not move. Simmi comes and pulls him saying they are already running late. Helpless Raman leaves, he sits next to Mihika and two women hold a Parda between them.

Toshi Ji applies Haldi to Raman first and blesses him.

Everone else proceeds to apply Haldi to Raman but he stops them from applying too much. Simmi looks at Adi, Ruhi and Aliya with a "I win you lose" expression and goes to apply Haldi to Raman in the very end. Because she is so happy she starts applying lots of Haldi to Raman and He stands up in protest.

Simmi: Bhai aaj toh banta hai. Aap chah ke bhi mujhe nahin rok sakte!

Raman: Main kya kar sakta hoon na iska tujhe andaaza bhi nahin hai. Ab tu dekh!

Raman picks up the bowl of Haldi and starts running around the house with Simmi chasing him. Adi gets an idea and hurriedly whispers to Ruhi. Ruhi takes out her phone, calls someone while Adi steps in between Raman and Simmi preventing Simmi from catching Raman. Ruhi quickly hangs up and gives Adi a thumbs up. Adi then starts encouraging Raman to run out of the house with the Haldi. Raman likes the idea and runs out with Adi closely behind him. Simmi is a little away so Aliya and Pihu pretend to accidentally come in her way to delay her chasing them.

Raman steps out of the house just as Ishita steps out of her place looking for Ruhi. Adi then pretends to accidently push Raman, Raman loses his balance and in an attempt to steady himself he splashes the Haldi on Ishita!

Raman and Ishita look at each other in shock! She then looks at Adi who winks at her and silently jumps like a monkey in celebration.

Just then Simmi and Ruhi come out.

Simmi: Yeh kya hua Bhai?

Raman: Arey I lost my balance aur khud ko sambhalne ke chakkar mein Haldi Ishita pe gira diya maine. I am so sorry Ishita. I didn't mean to.

A stunned Ishita looks at Adi and Ruhi!

Ruhi: Arey Shagun ki Haldi toh Ishita Ji ko lag gai!

Raman: I'm really sorry Miss Ishita! Aap thik toh ho na?

Ishita: No don't be sorry! I'm more than fine!

Raman looks at Simmi and asks her to get someone to clean the Haldi that has fallen on the floor next to Ishita's feet. He apologises once again and goes back in. Simmi is looking around in disbelief. Ishita first sees the Haldi splashed on her, then Simmi's expression and starts laughing uncontrollably while Adi and Ruhi join in.

Ishita touches some of the Haldi from her Kurta and gently applies it on her face while laughing away.

Ishita: Simmi abhi nahi samajh rahi ho tum! Raman sirf mere the, mere hai aur mere hi rahenge! Hum dono ek dusre ke liye hi bane hai isliye dekho na Raman ki Haldi Raman ke hi hathoon mujhpe chadh gai! Hayeee!! Main toh aaj apne "Sajna ke Rang Mein Rang Gai!"

Adi: Woh bhi apne Sajna ke hi hathoon kyun Ruhi!

Ruhi: Exactly! Ishimaa Haldi Mubarak ho!

Ishita: Thank you!

Simmi: Bakwaas band karo tum log. Yeh tum dono ki hi chal hai.

Adi: Hunme kya kiya bua? Papa kisse bachne ke liye Haldi leke bhaage the- aapse! Toh yeh jo hua hai na all thanks to you hua hai!

Ishita: Really Simmi! Kitna khayal hai tujhe apni Bhabhi ka mere pyaari nanad!

Simmi stomps off into the house while Adi, Ruhi and Ishita start laughing again!

Adi: Main Pihu ko toh bata doon ki Mata Rani ne uski sun li aur woh bhi kaise! Kya andaaz hai!

Adi ruhses back in leaving Ishita and Ruhi alone.

Ishita: I don't believe this Ruhi! Isliye call karke mujhe immediately bahar aane ko kaha tumne. Tum logo ka dimaag bhi na! But no complains I am so happy!! Pehle Raman ke naam ke Mehndi ka rang aur ab unke naam ki Haldi ka rang! Main toh Raman ke Rang mein rang gai hun aise lag raha hai mujhe!

Ruhi: Dekhna Ishimaa is Haldi ka rang kya nikhar ke ayega aap pe. Papa aur Aap bus yahi hoga ab! Now I am not at all nervous for tonight!

Ishita smiles at Ruhi and goes back in. Raman informed them what happened and went to his room to wash off the Haldi. Toshi Ji made a huge hue and cry about how an abshagun had happened.

Simmi offers to make some fresh Haldi for Mihika but Mihika walks off from there furious saying it's pointless as the function is already ruined. Pihu thanks Mata Rani profusely.

Raman's Bedroom:

Raman has just showered when Simmi comes in.

Simmi: Bhai yeh Haldi ki gadbad...

Raman: Arey galti se ho gaya Simmi...

Simmi: Nahin Bhai...Ishita ne jan buch ke...

Raman: Come one Simmi. Jab mujhe khud nahi pata tha ki tujhse bachne ke liye main Haldi le ke ghar ke bahar bhag jaunga toh usko kaise pata hoga ki kya hone wala hai? Coincidence tha ki Haldi uspe gir gai. Koi aur khada hota uske jagah toh Haldi uspe gir jaati. Ab common corridor hai woh..koi bhi aa-ja sakta hai. Aise blame game phaltu mein shuru mat kar. It's a big day today. Shaadi ki tayari kar.

Simmi is annoyed to see Raman defend Ishita yet she calms down thinking that whatever has happened is clearly not enough to change Raman's mind for this marriage which means ultimately she will win and Ishita will lose.

Simmi: Aap thik keh rahe ho Bhai. Khair mujhe na Mihika ke bare mein aapse baat karni thi.

Raman: Haan bolo kya hua use?

Simmi: Bhai aaj se aap Pati-Patni ban jaoge. Toh aapki bhi kuch responsibilities hai uske taraf.

Raman: Mujhe meri responsibilities pata hai Simmi.

Simmi: Bhai yeh Shaadi aap Pihu ke liye kar rahe ho na. Toh aapki Mihika ke taraf first responsibility hai ki aap Pihu ko uske kareeb laye aur uske liye aapko Ishita se baat karni hogi ki woh Pihu ko space de.

Raman: Matlab?

Simmi: Bhai main yeh nahi keh rahi hoon ki Ishita aur Pihu ko door kar de. Lekin to give Mihika a fair chance aap baat karye Ishita se ki woh kuch time ke liye kahin aur shift ho jaye so that Pihu aur Mihika ko bond karne ka chance mile as mother-daughter. Ek baar unka rishta ban jayega phir Ishita wapas aa jaye and woh rahegi toh Pihu ki Ishita aunty hi na. Abhi Pihu Ishita ke sath apne rishtey ko lekar confused hai- woh kehti Aunty but maanti Maa hai kyunki koi aur mother figure hai hi nahin uske life mein. Lekin ab Mihika hai. Dekho Bhai agar woh Ishita sach mein Pihu se utna pyyar karti hai jitna woh bolti hai toh uske liye itna toh kar hi sakti hai. Aur ek baar Ishita thoda space degi na Mihika bahut acche se uske dil mein apni jagah bana legi. Zada time nahin lagega. Par yeh baat aapko Ishita se karni hogi.

Raman: You have a point Simmi. Main dekhta hoon. You don't worry.

Simmi leaves with a victorious look on her face thinking that starting today Ishita will be fully replaced in Raman's life and very soon she will separate her from her children too.

Apartment Parking Lot

Ishita is hurrying to get in her car and get going for she needs to find a way to stop the marriage tonight. Just as she is getting in her car she hears someone call her name only to find Raman coming towards her.

Raman: Miss Ishita, aapko rest karna chahiye. Kal jo hua uske bad..

Ishita: I'm fine Mr. Bhalla! Thanks to you main time se hospital pahuch gai aur sahi treatment ho gaya.

Raman: And sorry too aaj subah woh sari haldi. I didn't mean to. It just happened.

Ishita: Some things are just meant to happen I guess! But aap please iske liye sorry mat bolo.

While Raman is talking to Ishita he keeps getting distracted by a lock of heair that has come lose and is now on her face. He gently tucks it behind her ear.

While Raman is distracted with tucking her hair behind her ear Ishita smiles inwardly and thinks no matter how hard he tries he always finds a way to show his love even though he does not remember or understand that it is love. Just when her faith wavers for even a second he always finds a way to reassure her.

Raman: Actually mujhe aapse ek baat karni thi. It's a little awkward and a lot to ask of you but Pihu ke liye mujhe aapse yeh request karni hogi. Please don't get me wrong.

Ishita: Kya hua woh shaadi mein ane se mana kar rahi hai kya?

Raman: Ummmm... pata nahin ab tak usne kuch kaha toh nahin hai. But baat woh nahin kuch aur hai.

Ishita: Aisi kya baat hai jo aap itna hesitate kar rahe hai kehne mein?

Raman: Look. First please don't get me wrong lekin main tumse request karne aya hoon ki kya tum kuch dino ke liye yahan se thoda door kahin shift ho sakti ho kya?

Ishita looks at Raman stunned.

Raman: Pihu ko Mihika ke paas lane ka mujhe bas yehi ek raast dikh raha hai. Abhi Pihu tumhein le ke confused hai- you are like the mother figure in her life. Lekin ab Mihika uski Maa hogi aur Pihu yeh tab tak accept nahi karegi jab tak tum usse thoda distance maintain nahi karti so that usko realise ho ki koi aur hai ab jo actually uski Maa hai. Look I know it is a lot to ask- tumhein main apni Beti ke liye tumhare family se kuch time ke liye door rehne ko keh raha hoon. But I promise you it's just temporary. Jaise hi Pihu adjust ho jayegi Mihika ke saath you come back.

Listening to Raman Ishita has tears in her eyes.

Ishita: Aap...aap...mujhe...Pihu se door karna chahte ho?

Raman seeing her cry immediately grabs hold of one of her hands, squeezing it reassuringly and with the other wipes away her tears.

Raman: Look maine tumhein promise kiya tha ki Pihu ko tumse door nahi karunga and I intend to stick to that. But har relationship ki ek sima hoti hai- Pihu ko samajhna hoga ki tum uski Ishita Aunty ho and Mihika uski Maa. Main bas tumse yeh karne ko request kar raha hun taki Pihu ke mind mein sare relationships clear ho jaye. Aur main khud koshish karunga ki Pihu jald se jald Mihika ko apna le so that you can come back also be part of her life. Look main tumhein force nahi kar raha hoon. I am requesting you. Please Pihu ke liye is bare mein socho. I know it's a lot to ask lekin yeh jo bhi ho raha hai sab Pihu ke liye ho raha hai.

Even as Raman is saying these words his heart is aching. Seeing her pain he is regretting having said it all all but Simmi's argument was such that he got convinced and he himself knows that as long as Ishita is close to Pihu she will never let anyone- no matter who it is- come in her life as her mother.

Ishita however can't stop crying. Raman unable to see her tears goes closer to her to hug her but she is fuming with anger, she takes two steps back so that he knows he must stop. She looks at him, her eyes filled with hurt and rage and speaks as if she is spitting up venom with every word.

Ishita: Aap ko kya lagta hai Mr. Bhalla rishtey aise judte hai? Kisi ko kisi se door kar diya taki woh kisi aur ke paas chali jaye? Pihu ko aapne koi khilona samajh rakha hai kya- aaj yahan se utha ke kal wahan patak diya aur expect karte hain ki jahan usko jis situation mein dal diya woh adjust kar legi? Aisa nahin hota Mr. Bhalla! Jab tak kisi inssan ka dil ek rishtey ko apnane ki gawahi nahi deta koi lakh koshish kar le woh rishta kabhi nahin judta hai- chahe woh Pihu ka Mihika ko apni Maa manna ho ya aapka Mihika ko apni patni manna!

Raman opens his mouth to say something but Ishita raises her hand to silence him.

Ishita: Bahut bol liya aapne! Ab kuch mat bolye kahin aage jake aap inhi batoon ko regret na karnein. Aur rahi Mihika aur Pihu ki baat- agar Mihika mein sach mein woh mamta hai Pihu ke liye toh main kya- Pihu ki asli Maa bhi uske samne agar aa ke khadi ho jaye na- tabhi woh Mihika ko apna legi. Sacchi mamta mein itni takat hoti hai! Rishtey jab sahi tareeke se judte hai tabhi phalte hai aise zor zabardasti se nahi! So Pihu ke sath aise games mat khelye Mr. Bhalla. Woh aise bhi aapse door hoti ja rahi hai- jab se aapne yeh shaadi karne ka decission liya hai- aap khud soch ke dekhye aapke aur Pihu ke rishtey pe is baat ka kya asar hua hai -jawab aapko khud hi mil jayega. Sochye ga is bare mein- aur uske baad bhi agar aapko lagta hai ki mere yahan se shift ho jane se sab theek ho jayega toh main chali jaungi. Ab aap please mere aur mere gadi ke raste se hat jaiye. Kal hi aapki jaan bachai hai maine kahin gusse mein usi jaan ko meri wajah se khatra na ho jaye!

Ishita turns, pulls the gate of her car open, gets in and slams it shut with such force that even Raman is startled. He moves aside just in time to avoid being hit by Ishita's car as she speeds away. Raman is left standing there completely confused and highly unsure what to do next.

Bhalla House:

It's almost time for the baraat to leave. Simmi has taken Mihika with her to the hotel earlier in the day leaving Param in charge of everything. Param is surprised that Ishita has not tried to do anything to stop the wedding yet.

Romi is walking past Pihu's room. He sees her sitting on her bed holding a picture and crying. Romi thinks how strange this whole drama started with the pretext that this is happening for Pihu yet no one gives a damn about Pihu, but I won't abandon her. I will talk to her. Romi goes to Pihu's room. He sits next to her and sees she is holding a picture of Ishita. Romi pulls her into a hug and she lies down on his chest and cries loud sobs. Just them Param walks by. He stands at Pihu's door with a smirk on his face. Romi sees Param, makes Pihu sit on the bed again, goes to Pihu's door and slams it shut on his face.

Iyer House:

Adi, Aliya, Ruhi, Bala, Kiran, Madhavi and Vishwa are sitting dressed to go for the wedding. Ishita is pacing all over the drawing room and everyone is staring at her. She looks at them as if she has made up her mind.

Ishita: Ab is shaadi ko rokne ka ek hi raasta hai. Raman ko batana hoga ki main unki kaun hoon.

Adi: Toh chalo Ishimaa! Papa ghar pe hi hai!

Ruhi: But doctor ne kaha ki...

Ishita: I know doctor ne kya kaha hai. Isliye main soch rahi hoon ki main pehle jake doctor se hi baat karti hoon ki kaise is topic ko approach kiya jaye. Ek kaam karo aap log shaadi ke liye niklo. Main doctor se milke aati hun. Aur haan kuch bhi ho jaye- Raman ko mere alawa yeh sacchai koi nahin batayega. Agar mujhe aane mein late ho jaye toh aap logon ke bas mein jo banta hai woh karye shaadi ko delay karne ke liye lekin unse koi kuch kahega nahi. Humein sirf yeh shaadi rokni nahin hai balki Raman ko safe bhi rakhna hai. Unhein kuch hone nahin dena hai.

Kiran: Hum mein se koi chalta hai na tumhare saath.

Ishita: Nahin wahan jitne zaada log ho utni help hogi cheezein postpone karne mein. Waise main koshish karungi jald se jald doctor se baat karke wahan pahuchne ki. But aap sab ko meri kasam Raman se koi kuch nahi bolega mere alawa- no matter how desperate anyone gets.

Everyone hugs Ishita and leaves. Ishita locks the door once they have left, leans on the door and slowly sinks onto the floor. She pulls her knees together close to her chest and rests her head on it. After a few minutes she gets up, goes to her room, picks up a suitcase and starts packing few of her belongings. As she is packing her belongings she can hear the baraat leave.

Ishita listens to the Baraat go by. She peeks out of the window hoping to see a glimpse of Raman but it looks like he is already sitting in the car. She sighs and pulls the curtain back. She walks around her room wondering if what she is going to do is the right thing after she has come this far. Then Raman's words from the parking lot come to her mind. She quickly resumes packing her things. She takes one last look at her room and spots a picture frame.

She picks up the frame, looks at it with tears running down her face. She packs the frame in her suitcase. She picks up her purse in her left hand and pulls her suitcase with her right. She stops in front of the temple and prays thinking what she is about to do is the hardest thing she has ever done in her life but there is no choice. She prays to God to grant her strength and to always look after her children and Raman. She grabs her suitcase and purse once again and walks out of the house without a backward glance. She goes to the parking lot, gets in her car and drives away into the night.

Wedding Hotel:

Mihika's Room:

Mihika is almost finished getting dressed. Two beauticians and helping her. There is a knock on the door after which Simmi comes in.

Simmi: Oh my God! Mihika! Tum kitni stunning lag rahi ho. Raman Bhai ke toh hosh hi ud jane hai!

Mihika: Simmi tum acchi taraj se jaanti ho ki Raman ne mujhe kabhi waise dekha hi nahi hai. Main unki life mein sirf Pihu ki Maa ban ke ja rahi hoon. So please yeh sab mat bolo...

Simmi: Woh abhi ke liye. Ek baar tum log apni life share karne lagoge na toh tum unke dil mein bhi apne liye jagah bana logi. So relax!

Mihika: Agar jo toh tum keh rahi ho woh sach ho jayega toh mujhse zada khushi kisi ko nahi hogi.

Simmi: Tumhari sacchi jeet aur Ishita ki puri haar tab hi hogi Mihika jis din tum Pihu and Raman Bhai dono ke dilon mein apni jagah bana logi aur tum bilkul tension mat lo main aur Param Ji hai na tumhare saath. Hum tumhari har tareeke se help karenge.

Mihika: Thanks Simmi. Yeh sab tumhari wajah se hi toh ho raha hai ki mere life mein khushiyaan wapas aa rahi hai.

Simmi: Ab tum jaldi ready ho jao. Main wedding hall mein guests ko attend karti hoon. Pandit Ji jaise hi kahenge main tumhein lene aa jaungi.

Raman's Room:

Raman is wearing a Shervani looking at himself in the mirror. He feels like his head and heart are at war right now. His head keeps saying everything that he is doing is for Pihu yet his heart is screaming out words that Ishita has said to him- "Jab tak kisi inssan ka dil ek rishtey ko apnane ki gawahi nahi deta koi lakh koshish kar le woh rishta kabhi nahin judta hai- chahe woh Pihu ka Mihika ko apni Maa manna ho ya aapka Mihika ko apni patni manna!" "Agar Mihika mein sach mein woh mamta hai Pihu ke liye toh main kya- Pihu ki asli Maa bhi uske samne agar aa ke khadi ho jaye na- tabhi woh Mihika ko apna legi. Sacchi mamta mein itni takat hoti hai! Rishtey jab sahi tareeke se judte hai tabhi phalte hai aise zor zabardasti se nahi!'

Raman wonders if what Ishita has said is true. If it is true then this wedding is pointless. Raman adjusts his sherwani a bit when Pihu walks in.

Pihu: So aap shaadi sach mein kar rahein hai?

Raman: Pihu you know Papa sirf aapke liye shaadi kar rahein hain.

Pihu: Agar aap mere bare mein sochke kuch kar rahe hote toh aap meri feelings ko respect karte aise meri feelings ko ignore karke apni marzi nahin chala rahe hote.

Raman: Pihu, Papa aapki feelings ki bahut respect karte hai.

Pihu: Agar aap sach mein meri feelings ko respect karte hain toh aapko use prove karna hoga.

Raman: Kaise?

Pihu: Meri baat maan ke.

Raman: Kaunsi baat?

Pihu: Shaadi complete hote hi aap mujhe wapas boarding school bhej denge aur phir mujhse kabhi wahan milne nahin ayenge. Har term break mein aap mere, Adi Bhaiya, Ruhi Didi aur Aliya Bhabhi ke liye trip plan karenge taki mujhe kabhi bhi ghar aa ke aap sab se milna na ho aur nahi aap logon ke sath rehna ho.

Raman: Pihu yeh kya keh rahi ho Beta?!? Papa shaadi kar rahein hai taki tumhein Mummy mil sake aur aap humein hi chod ke jane ki baat kar rahe ho?

Pihu: Maine aapse pehle bhi kaha hai ek baar phir repeat kar deti hun- Mujhe na nai mummy ki aur na hi apne purane Papa ki koi zaroorat hai. Main hostel mein apna khayal khud rakh sakti hoon. So Mr. Bhalla aap meri feelings ki respect karte ho right? So yahi mere true feelings hai aur main yahin chahti hoon. Ab main chalti hoon cause you clearly have very important things to get to such as your wedding. Good luck for everything Mr. Bhalla and Good bye!

Pihu turns and leaves ignoring Raman's pleading asking her to stop. Raman sits on his bed stunned and Ishita's words come to his mind again: "Jab se aapne yeh shaadi karne ka decission liya hai- aap khud soch ke dekhye aapke aur Pihu ke rishtey pe is baat ka kya asar hua hai?"

Simmi walks in to call Raman but gets concerned seeing him worried.

Simmi: Kya hua bhai?

Raman: Simmi yeh shaadi nahi hogi!

Simmi looks at Raman as if all the breath has been knocked out of her in a single blow.

Simmi: Yeh kya keh rahe ho bhai?

Raman: Yeh shaadi main Pihu ke liye kar raha tha na! Lekin tumhein pata hai woh abhi kya bol ke gai hai.

Raman quickly tells Simmi what Pihu said.

Raman: Main Pihu ko nahin kho sakta.

Simmi: Relax Bhai. Jaise woh over react kar rahi hai aap bhi wahin kar rahe ho. Arey abhi tak humne Mihika ko ek chance bhi nahi diya hai Pihu ke life mein Maa ki jagah banane ke liye. Kal se toh woh haq se aisa kar payegi. Aur Pihu ko hum kahin nahi jane denge- usko kya lagta hai usne keh diya aur uska wapas boarding school mein admission ho jayega aur woh bhi mid-term? Kahin nahi jayegi Pihu. Aur Bhai Mihika ka socho- aap usko aise Shaadi ke din chod doge toh us bechari ka kya hoga? Woh har tarah se tut jayegi aur apne aap ko sambhal nahi payegi. Bhai trust me sab theek ho jana hai. Aap bus chalke Shaadi karo. Pandit Ji aapko bula rahein hai.

Raman gets up yet he is not at all sure. But Simmi keeps repeating what she just said over and over and finally Raman decides to trust Simmi for now and wears his pagdi.

Raman: But ek baat yaad rakhna Simmi. Agar shaadi ke baad jo tune kaha waisa nahi hua toh I don't care main divorce ke liye file kar dunga lekin apni beti ko mujhse door kabhi hone nahin dunga. Yaad rakhna.

Raman walks out and Simmi thinks that she will never let that happen.

Wedding Mandap:

Ruhi and Aliya are waiting anxiously for Adi. Adi comes back and signal a thumbs up.

Ruhi: Kaam ho gaya?

Shagun and Mani join them.

Shagun: Kya kiya tumne?

Adi: Jo chandan ki lakdiyan hai jisse Pandit ji jalayenge unko pani mein soak kar diya. Ab yahan aas pass toh lakdiyan milengi nahin toh phere honge kaise?!?

Mani: Not bad. But yeh Ishu kahan reh gai?

Aliya: Amma ka phone lag hi nahin raha.

Just then Raman arrives and sits on the Mandap and Pandit starts the Pooja. Raman is highly disinterested and he is scanning the entire room. Once the Pooja is done the pandit asks for the bride to be called. While Simmi goes to bring Mihika, Raman gets up and starts looking around.

Raman: Pihu kahan hai?

Everyone is startled by his question.

Bhalla JI: Yahin kahin hogi Puttar.

Toshi: Khane ke area main hogi. Ice-cream kha rahi hogi. Sab dekho Pihu kahan hai!

Everyone starts looking for Pihu but she is nowhere to be found. Param informs the hotel staff and asks them to check their surveillance footage.

By then Mihika has come with Simmi and both are surprised to see the ongoing chaos.

Simmi: Kya ho raha hai?

Param: Pihu kahin nahi mil rahi.

Simmi: Kahin Ishita ne toh kuch??

Param (whispering): Mere aadmi har jagah hain. Ishita agar is hotel ke aas pass bhi aati hai woh use pakad lenge aur kahin bandh kar denge but yahan aane nahi denge.

Simmi: Yeh ladki gai kahan? Ab jab tak milegi nahi bhai shaadi nahi karenge!

Mihika: Simmi yeh kya ho raha hai?

Simmi: Relax Mihika. Mil jayegi. Kahi baith ke apne Ishimaa ke liye ro rahi hogi.

When Pihu is still not found Raman goes livid. He yells at the hotel staff first and then at his family saying that they are so engrossed in enjoying the food and everything that they ignored the one person for whom he is doing all this!

Just then the hotel manager walks in.

Manager: Sir aapki beti mil gai.

Raman: Kahan hai woh?

Manager: Sir hotel ke lobby mein joh chota sa Mandir hai wahan Bhagwan ke samne khadi hui hai. Humein usko beech pooja mein disturb karna theek nahi laga. Aap hi usko le aaye.

Raman goes with the Manager. He does not turn up for another 20 minutes. Simmi is getting very restless.

Simmi: Main dekh kar aati hun.

Toshi: Oye nahi Puttar! Baap-Beti ko gal kar lene de. Raman usko mana ke le ayega.

Param (whispering): Simmo yeh kuch gadbad na kar de.

Simmi (whispering):Abhi thodi der pehle almost gadpad kar hi di thi usne but woh toh maine kisi tarah sambhal liya. Ab kya kar rahi hai. Itni lambi toh shaadi ki bhi koi pooja nahi hoti jitni lambi uski Pooja chal rahi hai.

Suddenly there is a lot of activity at the Wedding Hall entrance.

Param: Ab yeh kya tamasha ho raha hai? Main dekh ke aata hoon.

Simmi (: Bus Ishita na aa gai ho. Aur koi bhi tamasha ho hum samjha lenge.

Simmi and Param hurry to the entrance where they can see a group of 5-6 people have arrived.

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed the many twists that unfolded. Feel free to leave your guesses on what will happen next but I have something very interesting in my mind coming your way so stay tuned!

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