Shagun & Ashok
The Next Morning At Khanna Mansion

"Ashok" Shagun screeched as she sat up in bed, blinking groggily at the bright sunlight. Her mouth tasted like sawdust and it felt as if hammers were beating inside her head. "Ashooook"

"Madam, sir toh neeche hai" (Madam, Sir is downstairs) a quaking manservant had entered the room, and he now cowered at the door, as Shagun threw a cushion at him.

"Nimbu pani lekar aao" (Bring me some lemon juice) she screamed, "And my tablets. Where are my tablets" She searched rapidly on the bedside table for her Adderall, realizing that bastard Ashok must have thrown them out when he had thrown her out. Luckily, she had some in her bag, she remembered, grabbing her handbag and then gulping two capsules quickly.

The manservant has reappeared with some nimbu pani and she grabbed the glass from him, gulping the soothing drink, as her head began to clear. She had thought she was immune to the effects of alcohol. Last night must have been too much even by her own standards, she realized, as she waved away the manservant, grabbing at one of her garishly colored sarees as she stalked into the ensuite. It was Ashoks fault, getting her drunk.

Did that Ashok really think he could win by making her drunk? That she would give away her secrets somehow or let him off the hook?

"Dream on Ashok Khanna" she sneered as she stepped underneath the shower. "You will never get me out of here"

Ishita & Raman
The Next Morning at Bhalla House

"Ishita, are you okay?" Raman looked at his wife with sympathy and concern as she opened one eye to peer at him. He had been up for an hour and had been waiting for his Ishita to get up, knowing she would be hungover, and having made all the preparations he could think of to make her feel better.

"Raman" Ishita groaned. "I feel so sick. Kyun itna pilaya mujhe? Kitne bure ho." (Why did you make me drink so much? You're so bad)

"Hello madam, mein ne kya kiya? Pee toh khud rahi thi aur bande par ilzaam aa raha hai" (Hello madam, what did I do? You were the one drinking too much, so don't blame me, okay) he pouted at her in a injured tone as he put his arms out to her, helping her to sit up.

She sat up and held her head as she stared at him. "Ouch" she mumbled.

"Here, put this on" Raman helped his groaning wife to get into her dressing gown suppressing a smile at the look on her face. "And drink this" he added, holding up a glass of nimbu pani and two paracetamol tablets.

Ishita looked at him in suspicion. "Ab kya pila rahe ho aap mujhe" (Now what are you making me drink?) she asked, reclining on the headboard of the bed, her pounding head telling her to remain in bed a little while longer.

"Nimbu pani" (Lemon juice) Raman said with a grin. "Believe me, I'm an expert on hangovers madam, Nimbu pani and two painkillers, then shower and breakfast, and hangover gone. Come on, good girl, have this."

Ishita gave in before the obvious love in her husband's voice and allowed him to pop the tablets into her mouth, swallowing them with the surprisingly refreshing lemon juice. A grumble in her stomach reminded her that she was hungry and she looked at Raman guiltily.

"Come on" her husband took the glass from her and put in on the bedside table before helping her out of bed. "You didn't have much to eat last night, champagne on an empty stomach, that's why you feel so bad now. Go and shower and change and I'll go down and make some dry toast for you. You'll feel better in no time."

He made as though to move away but was checked by his wife's hand clutching his.

"Raman, I'm sorry" she whispered. "I know I drank too much and I remember we went to a club and...." Her voice trailed off as she looked at the shirt, tie and her clothes scattered on the floor. "Aur kya kiya mein ne...?" (What else did I do...?)

"Kuch bura nahi kiya" (Nothing bad) Raman gathered his wife into his arms for a fierce hug. He wanted to tease her with his one liners and the truth of her shenanigans the night before, but she looked so horrified that he didn't have the heart. "Hum ghar aaye toh yahan sab loaded pee kar party kar rahe theh. Hum ne apni party upar aa kar kiya. Woh sab bhi neeche tumhaari tarha nimbu pani pee rahe hai. Ab tum shower karke neeche aajao, my good girl." (We came home and found everyone here drinking loaded and having a party. We just had our own party upstairs. They are all drinking nimbu pani just like you downstairs. Now go and shower and come down, my good girl)

He kissed her lovingly on her forehead and then gave her a gentle push towards the bathroom, but she still looked at him uncertainly.

"You're sure, aur kuch nahi kiya?" she asked hesitatingly, dim visions of a candlelit bedroom, dancing and music returning to her. (You're sure I didn't do anything else?)

"Mujhe pole banaya, mujh par dance kiya, meri izzat ko loota, lekin mein toh khushi se luta raha tha, so don't worry" he finally gave in to his suppressed laughter, holding his stomach and laughing out loud as she glared at him. (You made me into a pole, danced on me and sexually assaulted me but I was happy to be assaulted by you, so don't worry)

"Ramannnn"

"It's okay meri pole dancer" he tried to control his laughter as he pushed her into the ensuite. "Sirf mein ne dekha, aur mujhe mazaa bhi bahut aaya. Ab jaldi neeche aao, warna bhanda phoot jayega." ( Its okay my pole dancer. Only I saw your antics and I enjoyed it. Now come down quickly, or everyone will realize something happened last night)

And he stood chuckling as she closed the door in his face. All his dreams were coming true and he would never let her go.

Ashok & Shagun
Khanna Mansion

Ashok Khanna sat at one end of the 12 seater Sheridan dining table which was the centrepiece of his deluxe dining room.

His silent yet seething brother sat next to him, the smirking Param on his other side.

"Are you sure Ashok?" Suraj asked again for the umpteenth time.

"Yes, yes, yes Suraj, I'm sure, I told you I have no choice. She knows too much, I have to do this"

"If you want, toh hum uska kaam tamaam karde Ashok ji?" Param drawled slowly. ( If you want, we can have her taken care of, Ashokji)

"No, don't you dare" snarled Ashok. "She told me last night that she made arrangements in case anything should happen to her. No, I'm stuck with her. She wants the wedding next Saturday. Make all the arrangements Param"

Param raised his eyebrows and helped himself to more toast.

"Theek hai Ashok ji, jaise aap ki marzi" ( Allright Ashokji, just as you please) he was just saying, as Shagun waltzed into the room.

"Good morning all" she said chirpily, stopping by Ashok's chair to exchange an air kiss.

"Good morning Shagun darling" the words tasted as bitter as bile in Ashok's throat. "Bitch" he thought to himself. "You damn bitch"

Shagun settled into a chair next to Suraj and gave him a pointed look.

"Good morning...bhabhi" he spat out. "Bitch" he too engaged in similar mind talk as his brother. "The damn money hungry bitch. She will eat all my share of Ashok's money."

The next glance was for Param.

"Good morning Shagun ji" he leched at her. "Hai" he thought to himself. "Nayi maal mili Param tujhko. Ache din hai beta" ( New material for you t9 play with Param. Good times are here again)

"So Ashok, have you told Suraj and Param about our wedding plans?" Shagun quizzed Ashok, raising an immaculately shaped eyebrow.

"Yes ...darling" he responded. "Param sab taiyari kardega." (Param will take care of everything)

"Sab nahi darling" (Not everything darling) she trilled back at him."I'll choose my outfit and jewellery of course"

"But Shagun you have an outfit, just wear all that again"

Shagun threw back her head and laughed.

"No way Ashok baby, you know I don't repeat outfits. And besides that outfit is manhoos for me now. Bad luck. I'm going to go to the designer today. Oh and of course I'll need new jewellery to match. Bill tumhe mil jayega" (You will get the bill)

"Fine"

"And book the same hotel Param. And invite the same guests. Everyone needs to know that our wedding took place after all."

Ashok stood up abruptly, flinging his napkin on his plate, his chair wobbling as he flung it back. "Suraj, Param, lets go"

Shagun watched the men as they walked away and then laughed exultantly, looking around the opulent mansion where she was again to be chatelaine.

"Mine" she shouted. "All this is mine. Mera, sirf mera. Money, fame, prestige, everything is mine. And I'll make sure, I'll make sure that smug criminal bastard Ashok can never leave me, never"

She did not notice in her triumph the boy who stood at the door, bag in hand. Ashok had not noticed him either as he had swept past with Suraj, muttering obscenities against Shagun.

Adi stared at his mother in confusion. Ashok dad had been saying such horrible things about mumma, and here mumma was, saying such awful things about Ashok dad. But...but they..they loved each other, they were getting married, weren't they? Mumma said the other night was just a misunderstanding, Ashok dad hadn't meant to hurt her. Then why?

He backed slowly out of the door. Mumma must be tired, that's why, maybe he should .. he stared at Mihika, who had brought him over. Mihika looked at Adi with compassion.

"Adi" she said, bending down and grabbing his bag. "I think we should come back after your mumma's wedding, hmm. In a weeks time. Mumma abhi busy hai, how about we go to your papa's house and pick up Mihir mama and go for a coffee and ice cream, hmm? I will call your mumma later and tell her."

"In a week? But where will I stay now Mihika aunty" Adi asked in bewilderment, his shocked eyes filling with tears, which he quickly brushed away.

Mihika's heart went out to Adi. He was just a little boy and he didn't deserve what his mother was putting him through. No child did.

"You can stay with Mihir mama Adi" she said, bending down to look him in the eyes. "Or you can stay with your papa. You know you are going to stay with him a few days in the week from now on, right? Mumma told you?"

"No" Adi shook his head slowly. "Mumma wants me to stay there Mihika aunty? But mumma said papa doesn't...." His voice trailed off and he stared dumbly at her, as Mihika's heart cried in compassion for the lost little boy.

"Let's go to your papa's house Adi. Papa will explain" she said quietly. Adi nodded and followed Mihika to her car, giving a last puzzled look at his mother's mansion.

[I'm bringing him to jeeju's house] Mihika quickly texted Mihir before driving off.

And in her mansion, Shagun continued to laugh. Finally, everything she ever wanted was within her reach.

Raman & Ishita
Bhalla House

Raman looked around at his assembled family with smug satisfaction. They were all sitting around the dining table, in various stages of alcohol recovery.

The younger ones, although used to copious amounts of alcohol, seemed the most worst for wear this morning, for some strange reason. Both Romi and Mihir's faces were different hues of green, and they were nursing their third glasses of nimbu pani. The older combatants had seemingly weathered the excessive booze fest better. Papaji was reading his paper with no signs of ill health. Mummyji had on her darkest pair of sunglasses, but her appetite seemed unaffected, and she was on her third aloo paratha. Simmi wore a pained expression on her face as Ananya bounced in her lap, but she too was eating and seemed otherwise okay.

And then there was his Jhansi ki Rani. Dressed in one of her plain saris, a severe blouse covering up the evidence of his mischief of the night before, her hair loosely tied back, tendrils escaping to frame her beautiful face. He raised his eyebrows at her across the table, as she cut Ruhi's paratha into pieces, her own dry toast untouched on her plate.

"What?" She silently mouthed at him.

"Eat" He said loudly, pointing to her toast. Toshiji was watching the exchange from behind her dark glasses, and she let out a guffaw.

"Kha le kha le Ishita puttar" she shouted out, as Romi covered his ears with his hands. "Tujhe loaded ki aadat nahi hai na, isliye bura lag raha hai. Kha le, phir accha lagne lagega." ( Eat, eat Ishita my dear. You're not used to booze that's why you feel sick. You'll feel better after you eat)

"Mumma" Simmi pleaded with her mother. "Please aap itna shor mat kijiye. Lekin haan Ishita, mumma theek keh rahi hai. Toast kha le, you'll feel better." (Mumma, please don't make so much noise. But yes Ishita, mumma is right, you'll feel better if you eat)

"Ok" Ishita looked doubtfully at the toast on her plate and then slowly started to eat, while her husband stared at her adoringly.

"Bhai" Mihirs voice interrupted him. "Just a minute please"

Raman looked with surprise at Mihir, who had walked to the side of the kitchen, out of earshot of the family. "Kya yaar" he muttered good naturedly, getting up reluctantly to join his friend. "It's Sunday, so no work, okay"

"It's not work bhai" Mihir said quietly. "Mihika just texted. She is bringing Adi here."

"Here?" Raman was surprised. "But didn't Mihika go to pick up Adi from his sleepover and drop him with Shagun? He insisted on going to Shagun, right?"

"Yes bhai" Mihir was as surprised as Raman. "Mihika didn't say anything, but they'll be here soon, so I guess we will find  out then. I asked Shagun to stay back at my place until her wedding, but she insisted on going with Ashok. I'm just out of my wits about Shagun, bhai. She is just so determined to marry Ashok that she doesn't seem to realize the effect all this will have on Adi. And how can she want to marry Ashok after what he did...I just don't understand"

"Don't worry about Adi, Mihir" Raman said reassuringly. "He will stay here for four days every week from next week, and I know things won't be easy at first, but I'm sure he will see how much we all love him, sooner or later. And he will change. Im sure of that, sure of my son. As for Shagun, don't judge your sister too harshly Mihir. She made some choices  in the past which have left her with no choices today, but she is still Adi's mother and I don't want my son to have to feel embarrassed about his mother in my home."

"Bhai, you're a far better person than I am.." Mihir muttered, shaking his head, just as Ishita stepped up to join them. She had been watching her husband and his friend from the dining table and something in their posture and hushed conversation had troubled her.

"Raman, kya hua?" She asked quietly. ( Raman, what's wrong?)

"Ishita, Mihika is bringing Adi here. She had gone to drop him off at Shagun and Ashoks place, but something must have happened, she texted Mihir that she is bringing him here."

Raman looked uncertainly at his wife. He remembered everything that Adi had put Ishita through - the false accusation of abuse that had earned her a stint in the police station; the deliberate texting her the address of Ashoks bachelor party from Shaguns phone that had led to her attempted molestation. He recalled how upset his wife had been that night, how she had blamed herself, had asked him to leave her. He had used Shaguns aborted nuptials to his own advantage, to seek and obtain shared custody of Adi, but he realized with a pang that he had failed to consider his Ishita in all this, had failed to consider the impact of Adi's return on her. She had professed herself to be delighted when he had told her that Adi would live with them, but then she had such a generous soul that she would say that in any event. But how would all this really impact her? He had thought they would have a week to sort things out for Adi's arrival - Shagun had been adamant she did not want the new arrangement to start until after her wedding. But now- Adi was coming now.

Ishita looked at her husband with dawning compassion. She knew her Raman, and she knew what he would be thinking about, his concern for her.

"Raman" she touched his arm reassuringly. "It's okay. Everything will be fine. Mein abhi jaa kar Ruhi ki room organize karti hoon, Adi ke liye." ( I'll go and organize Ruhi's room now, for Adi)

"Ishita...." he hesitated. "I know you said its okay for Adi to live here, but he.. you....will you be okay?"

"Of course Raman" Ishita said, her voice tinged with surprise. "Adi hamara beta hai na? Yeh uski bhi ghar hai, usko yahan rehne ka pura haq hai. I'm just sorry mein ne uska room puri tarha se organize nahi kiya. But in a way it's good. Now he can decide what colors and designs he wants. Aur Raman, kal aapko Adi ki school mein address change karna hoga, so that humme sab notices miley. We have to make sure Adi is happy here Raman, aur uski schooling ki bhi dhyan rakhna hoga. Ab chalo, dekhte hai...." ( Of course Raman. Adi is our son, right? This is his home and he has every right to live here. I'm just sorry I haven't organized his room completely, but in a way it's good. Now he can decide what colors and designs he wants. And Raman, tomorrow you need to change ADIS address at school, so we get his school notices. We have to make sure Adi is happy here Raman and we need to make sure he is doing well at school too. Now come, let see what...)

Her voice trailed off as she noticed Raman looking behind her. She turned around.

Adi was standing behind her with Mihika. He held a small bag in his hands and there was a look of uncertainty on his face. Ishita's heart melted towards this little boy who looked so much like his papa, but she knew that she needed to tread carefully. Shagun had poisoned Adi's mind against them all, and his hatred and anger would not disappear overnight.

That would take time, time and effort. Right now, though...... She looked from the uncertain look on Adi's face, to the equally worried face of her husband.

"Good morning Adi beta" she said brightly. "Aap ne breakfast kiya kya?" (Have you had breakfast?)

Adi shook his head. He remembered all the things that his mother had told him about this woman, his father's new wife,  how bad she was....but she had sounded as though she cared about him, as though she wanted him to live here. He looked from her to his father. "Nahi" He said slowly. "Mihika aunty ne kaha tha hum coffee aur ice cream ke liye jayenge." (No. Mihika aunty said we would go for coffee and ice cream)

"Mihika aunty budhu hai" Ishita glared at her sister, who gave her a shamefaced grin. "Ice cream hum after dinner khayenge, lekin abhi aap chalo breakfast karte hai. Dekho Ruhi aap ko bula rahi hai." (Mihika aunty is a duffer. We will go for ice cream after dinner, but right now you come and have breakfast. Look Ruhi is calling you)

"Kya mein...mein yahan rahoonga?" Adi asked slowly, looking at his father. (Will I.. will I live here now?)

Raman looked at Ishita, and she nodded her head encouragingly. "Haan beta" he finally spoke, putting a tentative hand on his son's shoulder. "Aap yahan bhi rahoge aur mumma ke saath bhi. Pehle breakfast karte hai, then we will talk theek hai?" (Yes son. You will stay with us and with your mumma too. Let's have breakfast first and then I'll explain)

And he walked his son over to the dining table, where his family waited to greet Adi, while Ishita looked on with shining eyes. Finally, everything that they ever wanted was within their reach.