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" happy diwali to all readers"
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Writer's pov

Rathore villa

" Why Parvathi decided not to attend the function ? You know it's a family function right? " Dadi asked to Parvathi who was sitting beside Dadi to inform that she can't attend diwali function.

" I know maa.....but  I agreed to attend another function today evening. It's a  diwali function organised by women's welfare association for abandoned kids. I can't say that I can't attend it at this last moment. " Parvathi explained to dadi the reason she can't go with them.

" Parvathi...... This is a family function. People will ask for you, media will be there, if you are not with Shiva what they are going to write ? " Dadi asked bit annoyingly.

"Maa..... Media will be there too and they won't write up anything bad for I am attending such a function. I decided that I am going to attend it. As for our family function I have already arranged gifts and rest of items that should be given to Padma. Lakshmi had to take it with her that's all. " Parvathi didn't moved from her decision and said her stand.

" Maa it's fine. Anyways I am also not going. I have a get together party with some of my old friends. So let her go " meanwhile Shiva also came there who heard the conversation between his mom and wife. He let Parvathi to attend the function she committed.

From morning till evening Lechu was behind preperations and she personally checked the gifts that given to Viren's family also to other relatives, later there shouldn't be any issues over this. Lechu was very careful with Varada also. From her previous experiences and what she heard Varada said to Dev Lechu had that fear inside that danger is hovering around her head.

Time was already late so she ran to get ready before Dev arrives. Once he is there Lechu won't get time for her but to run behind him and at end he might leave without her.

" My new dress " Lechu swirl around and danced in front of mirror wearing her new dress gifted by her appa when he visited last time. She looked so happy and excited after wearing it

" I am too much good for you Mr Devdutta Pratap Singh Rathore... " Lechu raised her one eyebrow and talked to herself looking at mirror with so much attitude.

" You shouldn't be the one who decide that " Dev pushed her to a side grunting at her and opened his wardrobe.

For couple of minutes Lechu stood there frozen from head to toe. She never thought that he will come there at that right moment and that's without making any noise.

" I...... I didn't mean that. " Lechu mumbled.

" Steam this " Dev threw his outfit at Lechu and ordered. She held on it and stood there like a stupid. Lechu herself didn't understand why she stood there looking Dev expecting some compliments from him or atleast he will notice her in that outfit.

" What are you looking at ? " Dev asked rudely.

" Huh ? No..... Nothing. Is this enough ? Aunty told me media will be there " Lechu asked about what she was wearing hesitantly.

"So what ? " Dev frowned his face and asked. After few seconds he understood why she asked that.

" Oh now I got........ Don't even think about it. I don't want you anywhere near to my side. Just zip your lips and stand somewhere at corner. I am warning, if you are planning for any drama there I will tear you off. Remember that well " Dev pulled Lechu to his side forcefully and warned her.

" Also what the hell you are wearing on your lips ? You look like a prostitute now with a disgusting face "  Dev swiped his thumb on her lips and yelled at her dangerously. When he called her a prostitute Lechu's face became pale and cold. Like cherry on top he even commented she looks disgusting which was enough for her to loose all confidence. Lechu put her head down with a sad face and didn't say anything.

Dev went to get freshen up and Lechu started steaming his outfit with a bee stung face. Once she prepared everything for him Lechu looked at herself again on mirror but this time that smile wasn't there on her face. She took a cotton pad and removed her red lipstick. She ran her fingers inside a pouch were she keeps her makeup items searching for another color.

She don't have much items like she used to have before. Many got used up and she couldn't buy a new one. She still saved some items even though they're expired but using them due to her crises. She found a lip crayon which was almost finished but she grabbed an eye shadow brush and somehow scooped up the remainings. Then adjusted with some lip balm. Lechu know it won't last for long still she shouldn't look like a sick in front of others. Especially when Yuvi, Aliya and Lavanya comes there. Only relief was Jhanvi di will be there and in case of emergency Lechu can use hers.

Nothing wasn't making her happy. She felt like she is the worst on.  Hands looked dull since her nails weren't painted also skin was chapped and dry. Lechu looked around and sneaked to Dev's dressing table to steal some hand cream from there.

" What kind of strong smell is this ? " Lechu grunted when she smelled it and quickly pulled her head back making an yucky face.

" He will catch me for sure with it's smell if I use this " Lechu mumbled sadly and removed it with a tissue. Then rubbed her both hands with the remaining.

Once Dev came back he started getting ready. Lechu was sent to get his shoes polished then meanwhile he got a phone call from his R & D department manager.

"Design we developed so far is there in it. I have sent it with Mohit.  Didn't he gave it to you sir " Mr Segal asked to Dev

" I haven't met him today..... give me a minute, let me ask to him. I just came back to home right now" saying this Dev cut the call and tried Mohit. He enquired about the data which Mohit got from Mr Segal.

" I have gave that flash drive to Lakshmi. She said she will give it to you. Didn't she ? " Mohit asked. Dev quickly cut the call without any reply and turned to call Lakshmi.

" Lakshmi.... " He screamed

" Lakshmi...... " He shouted more angrily and Lakshmi came there running holding his shoes.

"Sorry.. ... I couldn't run in this " she said apologetically and knelt down to put his shoe on floor. To her surprise he pulled her up and started questioning her like she is kind of some criminal.

" Dev..... " Lechu winced when his nails dig into her soft skin.

" Where is that flash drive which Mohit gave you? " He asked in a dangerous tone.

" On your study table. I kept it there safely" she replied while crying.

" Then when you were going to tell me about it. After it get missing ? " Dev asked

" No...... It slipped from my mind. It was a hectic day and I was.... "

"Shut up..... You didn't forget to get doll up yourself to woo men. But forget about something related to your husband's office matter. Wow..... What a responsible wife? . " Dev looked at her from head to toe and pushed her towards the wall like an unwanted.

" Do you know how much important is that for me ? If anything happened to it then I would have killed you." He added and turned to leave but again came back like he isn't finished or satisfied scolding her because without humiliation it won't be completed.

"  From the day you came into my life nothing good happening with me. I am afraid that now your bad omen is going to affect me through this project. Sometimes I feel pity for your father also,  do you know why ? " Dev asked at Lechu who stood there like always. No voice to talk back or react. Take everything silently even though how much hurtful it is.

" Because that man's bad luck started from the moment you were born. He is suffering because of you, your sister also. Fortunately your mother left before suffering much.. Don't you feel little bit of guilt for becoming a nuisance in others life ? Have you ever done something fruitful in your life ? Living like a burden for others ....go..... Just go ..... I don't even want to see your face. Go .... " He pushed her towards the door and Lechu silently walked out without any complaints.

Lechu was now afraid to go out with him. Standing at balcony she watched Parvathi leaving and wanted to go with her but reality was both her wings are tied up and it's ends are with Dev. He is pulling it by hurting her which can one day chop down her wings making her unable to fly forever. Then slowly slowly with no food and water, with a huge wound she will die like no one for others.

It's dipawali, most of the maids went back to their home and might have started celebrating it with their family. As a festival day she didn't even called her Appa or Aadhya to wish them. Lechu remember about her sister's wish as diwali gift that she needs a phone urgently. The one which she was using stopped working. No wonder because it was the first phone which used by Lechu and gave it to Aadhya when she was just a high school student. But now her compliant is.....  in her class everyone got a new phone but she don't. Right now she don't even have a phone and no way to contact anyone including her friends. Her wish was genuine because she is already going to finish her higher secondary school and might have lots of stuffs to refer.

Watching her dad's condition she couldn't even ask him to buy a new one or repair the old one for her. So the best way she found was asking to her elder sister who got married to a royal family. Aadhya was clinging to Lechu for a new phone and she scold her to concentrate on studies not on phone. Only Lechu knows her situation. Lechu know Aadhya won't misuse it but she was helpless. After marriage she couldn't even give her a chocolate as gift. That guilt was still inside. As an elder sister she couldn't do anything for her little sister.

Lechu watched Dev leaving without even calling her or didn't even look she was standing near to the stair balcony.

" I wasn't even expecting any magic moment here " Lechu mumbled to herself and strides down the stairs.

Dadi left first, almost every family members left, now left is Varada aunty, Lechu and Dev. Hesitantly Lechu walked behind Dev to get into car. He didn't asked her to follow him but if she won't follow then he will get angry on her for that.

Zahir opened the back door for Lechu but instead of her it was Varada aunty who step inside the car and sat beside Dev. Zahir looked at her with a pitiful face and closed the door,  then he quickly opened the front door for her. She was happy that atleast they are taking her with them in same car.

" You didn't get anything nice to wear ? " Aunty commented rudely from backseat on Lechu's outfit.

" This is....." Before she gave any reply Zahir corrected his throat to grab Lechu's attention and shook his head signing that not to talk back. Lechu remained silent then and Varada kept on mocking Lechu as usual bringing  her father into everything.

Lechu looked out through the window ignoring her tauntings. Whole city seems like celebrating , everywhere it was lights and crackers sound. Lechu heard her stomach growling as she was starving from noon because of work. She just now wanted to reach the venue and just stand at some corner like Dev said then have something good to fill her stomach. Just buy thinking about the food she started drooling.  May be after so many weeks she is getting a chance to eat something tasteful to her tastebuds.

Zahir stopped the car in front of party venue which was Viren's house itself. A huge house with a good front area. Lots of cars were already parked there which means function has already started.

" Dev...... " Soon after Dev stepped out from car Lavanya came there running calling him happily.

Varada had a wide grin on her face watching Lavanya and gave her a small hug.

" My god....  You look stunning dear. Looks like a godess. " Varada commented and take a look at her from head to toe very excitedly.

" Dev you are late..... How long Viren and I was waiting for you. Come ...... all our  school mates are here and expecting your grand entry" Lavanya circled her hand on his and dragged Dev.

" Before that..... You tell me how do I look ? Viren said I look fab but more than his compliment I want to hear yours in your voice . Then only I feel like my choice was best and bestest " Lavanya said and looked at Dev with a shy face.

Lechu was watching everything and curiously looked at Dev to hear his reply. Because Lavanya was completely in red and was wearing a hot red lipstick. Lechu wanted to know whether Lavanya looks like a prostitute in that.

" You look good...  This suits you best" Dev commented casually.

" Really ? Thank you so much '' she hugged him tightly in front of Zahir, Varada and Lechu. Lavanya was blushing but Dev felt so weird and wanted to separate her from him soon. He looked at Zahir begging to do something.

" DD you are getting late " Zahir said quickly and Dev separated her.

" Girl stop dreaming and take all gifts " Aunty ordered and walked ahead. There was lots of covers and gifts baskets. Zahir collected some to help Lechu and she carried the baskets in her both hands one over another.

Dev and Lavanaya made an entry to the venue as a hot couple. Their old classmates cheered up for them and some girls made a wonder face watching Dev and his change in apperance.

" He looks more handsome than we see in magazines right ? " One girl commented.

" Lavanya is the luckiest girl yaar.... " Another girl mumbled to her friends.

Only invited media people were there who were paid journalists to write good articles about the families and promote them. Lavanya and Dev posed for photos even though he don't like to be get photoed. Beside them Lechu was going with the basket with her face covered and she was stopped suddenly hearing others shouting.

" Hey.... "

" Move from the frame..... "

" Damn it...... Who is that covering the view ?

Dev glared at Lechu like she already started it then suddenly Varada came there and pulled Lechu with her.

" Just to spoil everything and make us embarrass in front of others. Don't come in front of anyone untill I say " Varada scold her taking towards a corner.

" Stay here ..... " Varada ordered.

Since she already stepped into the dangerous zone Lechu needed to be very careful. So unnecessary meetings with others especially with Lavanya should be avoided at any cost.

While trying to find a corner to spend time she saw Yuvi coming there with Aliya. She was walking along with Yuvi but not by hand in hand. They all cousins were talking to each other including Lavanya and Aliya enjoying their time. Lechu watched them and sighed heavily.

After some time Aliya came near to Lechu who was excitingly trying out the sweets kept there for guests.

" From where to where God is pulling down peoples. You were so good to grab attention of others but those times are over. Looking at you like this I feel so pity Lakshmi " Lechu stopped eating and looked at Aliya. She threw daggers at her with that looks but still didn't say anything.  Lechu dropped her plate and walked away from there to avoid Aliya. But Aliya went behind Lechu and stopped her.

" Now what you want ? " Lechu asked annoyingly but with a very low voice.

" I don't want anything. I just wanted to see you in this condition. Your face, that hurtful feelings watching your husband with his partner when it should be you the one to be there with him. Now you should have understood that how I felt watching you with Yuvi all lovely dovey in front of me. " Said Aliya clearly showing her victory face at Lechu. She stood there without responding to avoid unnecessary conflicts. She knows this evening is very crucial for her and one mistake from her side then face Dev's warth. But as much as Lechu stayed silent Aliya kept on provoking her and that made Lechu to react.

" You don't have to pinpoint everything that you and Yuvi does together. I see nothing different in your life even now or before. Just by looking at Yuvi's face and yours I know what is happening. If you both were really in love you won't be here in front of me to announce this cheap stories. When I was with him we both were enjoying it by ourselves like he wouldn't leave my hand even for a second. Atleast I can remember those days but what about you......  there is nothing to be get happy in your life than feeling jealous of me and acting like a possessive girl. It's not you who should feel pity on me but it's me ...... " Saying this Lechu walked away not wanting to listen her reply. She knows Aliya will shout at her and then it will grab others attention.

Aliya's face became red and she looked around with her blood shot eyes to check whether someone watched them. Aliya stomped her feet and went to grab some hot drink for her.

" Hey...... " Meanwhile  Lavanaya approached her with a glass of wine for a cheers with Aliya.

" Why you are standing here alone ? Come and join us " Lavanya said showing off her all tooth.

" No it's fine..... I don't know them and feel awkward" Aliya replied politely

" Oh don't be an introvert. See these are the times you make connections with others. In our circle getting true friends is very rare. If one gets it then they are the most luckiest like me. Dev and Viren are still my best friends like others are jealous of me. But if you won't meet others atleast to raise your glass them you will be outcast by us."

" Take this advice Aliya,  you know Yuvi is not much interested in such things. He is still being small kid and little brother of his cousins. He is not understanding the games that played around him in this power hunger game. You shouldn't be like that because after your marriage only you will be there to suffer hearing others taunting. Just think this advice is from your elder sister" Lavanya seems very nice with Aliya. Which is not like the usual Lavanaya. She never bothers or  went to talk to others unless by her own unless they are superior to her with their standard and status. All other human beings are invisible in front of her eyes or worthless.

" Yuvi won't like it " Aliya replied very hesitantly.

" Again ? " Lavanya rolled her eyes and commented.

" You want Yuvi to be lacking in front of others ? He is already in Blacklist due to the issues with Lakshmi. Many don't know about it but still there some  among us who witnessed their argument before. I don't understand actually what happened with Yuvi and Lakshmi ? " Lavanya was actually there to know about the reason behind their breakup. She can't ask this directly to Yuvi, Dev, Lakshmi or even Jhanvi. Easy target was Aliya.

" That's their personal matter. It's better I don't involve in that. " Aliya seemed very disturbed about it and tried to escape from there but Lavanya was not ready to leave her.

"See Aliya, because of this nothing bad gonna happen to you. Just look at Yuvi even though he broke up with her his eyes are still on Lakshmi. Do you know what does that mean ? Both are still planning to get back. Lakshmi and Dev is not doing well with eachother. So her second catch will be again Yuvi. She is now pulling all the threads in her hand to grab his attention. If you are okay with it then leave the matter just think that I didn't ask anything or tell me..... so that I can help you " Lavanaya smirked at Aliya and waited for her reply.

" Actually..... Actually Lakshmi was once caught by police for immoral trafficking from a hotel. "

" What the hell ? " Lavanya was shocked to hear what Aliya said and her eyes opened widely. She expected only a bomb but she got an atom bomb in return.

" She was bailed out by Jhanvi di that time and tried to cover it up. But after few days Yuvi get to know it . " Aliya says

" How ? " Lavanya asked curiously by interrupting Aliya.

" He got some photographs of Lakshmi with a man inside the hotel room.  Actually Lakshmi knew that man who she slept with but never said anything about him to Yuvi. She hid it from him. That was the main issue and he believed that she cheated on him " Aliya says.

" Yuvi didn't went to confront that guy ?" Lavanya asked.

" He escaped before that. Even though Lakshmi knows him but she didn't disclosed much details about him. She is a liar.  With Lakshmi's consent only he could do something and taken her to a hotel room. It's not like he kidnapped her or cheated her. No one knows about this incident, not even her family. For her father his daughter is still the best daughter in this world.  " Aliya replied with a scoff

" This is my trump card. ...... " Lavanya mumbled to herself very excited and excused from Aliya's side quickly.

Mumbai city

" Sir you didn't say to which club to go ?" Driver of Mr Rathore asked to him looking through the mirror.

Mr Rathore was leaning back to the seat by closing his eyes taking a nap and he was waken up by the driver with this question.

" Huh ? " Mr Rathore looked at the driver cluelessly and asked the driver to repeat .

" You didn't tell me where to take you ? This is second round we are through the club road " driver replied

" Anywhere is fine........ '' Shiva replied nonchalantly and looked out through the glass to see night view.

" Do one thing...... Drop me at any Street " he said

" Street ? Sir that is not safe..... " Driver replied very hesitantly

" What safety ? Look outside .... people are celebrating. You also go and celebrate after dropping me in front of any street or square were people gather for diwali function. Atleast I should see others getting happy with their life " Mr Rathore said in a sad tone and again leaned back to his car seat.

His driver dropped him in front of a square were people gathered for partying and enjoying. Family is there, couples are there, singles are there like almost all categories of people were there. Food shops, Street vendors, performance by artists , lights, colours like everything was there.

Mr Rathore walked to that square like a normal man. He left his coat inside the car and appeared casually. A live music program was running there and people were watching it happily by sitting at different places.

Mr Rathore kept on walking while watching the music program and sat on a vacant place, an ordinary cement bench. He casually looked to his other sides and was shocked to see Parvathi sitting two space away from him covering her side face. She clearly saw him and don't wanted to get caught.

" You said you had a function to..... "

" Don't talk to me...... also to where you are coming. Stay away from me " when Mr Rathore moved to Parvathi's side asking her why she is there Parvathi stopped him. Mr Rathore curled his lips and looked straight to see the musical.

" Di didn't came , you didn't brought anything to celebrate at home and after insisting alot you took me out. That's to such a boring place. Dad this is unfair..... Atleast buy me an ice-cream. "  Aadhya was whining at her dad who took his daughter to celebrate diwali outside. Since it's only two of them at home he thought to take her out.

" I will buy you ice-cream when we leave. This is very good program..... These all are my favorite songs. Let's watch this first " Govind sat just behind where Parvathi and Mr Rathore was sitting. Aadhya also sat beside him with a grumpy face.

" Ice cream...... " She kept on whining and that's when Adhya noticing Parvathi.

" Parvathi aunty.... " Aadhya shouted in excitement. Parvathi and Mr Rathore turned back all wondered to see who called her Parvathi aunty among that crowd.

" Hai aunty. ...... Uncle is also here. Happy diwali...... " Aadhya raised her hands for a hi five and seems very happy but elders three were looking at eachother with an awkward face.

" Hai..... " Parvathi gave a forced smile to Aadhya for her diwali wish and just nod her head at Govind who in return smiled slightly.

" Hai... " And he gave an very awkward hai to Mr Rathore.

" Only you both are here ? I  know..... I know..... it's your couple night right ? " Aadhya leaned forward and put her head between Parvathi and Mr Rathore with her funky questions. Govind held on his daughter's hand to stop her from talking very freely with elders.

" Couple night ? " Mr Rathore frowned his eyebrows doubtfully and asked as he don't understood what is couple night.

" It's now a days trend uncle. Spending night with your loved ones.... You know...... My partner for tonight is dad, for you it's Parvathi aunty. " Aadhya replied

" New generation kids are so open.... " Mr Rathore smiled weirdly and looked at Parvathi who was glaring at him.

" Mom....... Here is your coconut water......... " Meanwhile Dhruv came there holding one coconut and his drinks and snacks in both hands. He was struck on his feet when he saw his dad sitting beside Parvathi.

" See they are also having something.... Dad..... My ice cream......" After seeing the snacks and drinks with Dhruv Aadhya looked at her dad with a puppy face and blinked her eyes.

" Aadhya .... " Govind secretly asked her to be silent.

" You keep this here and go buy an ice-cream for her " Parvathi took the snacks from Dhruv's hand and asked him to buy icecream for Aadhya. Dhruv was staring at her who came from nowhere and Parvathi is so much concerned about her demands.

"No. ... It's fine.... I was just going .... " Govind interrupted and stopped Dhruv but Aadhya covered his mouth not to talk.

" One chocolate and one pista with one scoop on top of another. " Aadhya told him exactly what she wants like he is there to take her order. Parvathi opened her purse to get the money while smiling hearing her chirping voice.

" One ice cream for me to... "
Mr Rathore said hesitantly

" I don't have money for him. Just buy for that child .... " Parvathi grunted and gave Dhruv money. He looked at Mr Rathore shrugging his shoulders and smiled at him.

" Take this and buy everything you want. I am not like some jene inside lamp holding to all money. "
Mr Rathore took his wallet and passed it to Dhruv while grunting at Parvathi.

" Come dad we all will sit together..... " Aadhya pulled her dad from their place and went to sit along with Parvathi and Mr Rathore.

Mr Rathore, Parvathi, Govind, Aadhya and Dhruv five were sitting in a line like three elders with full of awkwardness and two younger ones still fighting for their snacks. Both the groups were completely in different world of theirs.

When the artist performed next song three of them got very excited because it was their favourite during their young days. Govind was smiling like an idiot thinking about his wife and time he spent with her.

Parvathi was truly enjoying it like she was mesmerized in that song. Govind looked at Parvathi who was smiling by herself and then suddenly looked down with a blushing face. When she accidentally looked at other side her eyes caught with Mr Rathore. For some reasons she couldn't take her eyes of from her husband. Some old memories were attracting them.

It was like a time travel, they both went back to their most beautiful days after marriage. Time they both loved eachother through the every streets of Mumbai city.