Kavya's Room, Armaan's Mansion

Ruhi strokes Kavya's hair as she lies on the bed with her head resting on Ruhi's lap. Kavya's eyes are shut, and she is holding Ruhi's free hand in a strong grip.

The girls came in Kavya's room with Ruhi's luggage and decided to rest for some time. The meeting with the NGO Manager for completing the transfer formalities is scheduled for evening, so they had free time.

Kavya speaks, breaking the silence in the air, "I don't know, how to thank you, Ruhi. Till morning I thought, I can manage alone, but now I realise, I needed someone."

Ruhi continues to stroke her hair and replies, "I can relate to this feeling, Kavya. After my parents death, even I thought I can manage alone. But whenever you, Myra or your parents did anything for me, it made me realise, I craved for that attention and care."

Kavya opens her eyes and faces Ruhi with a smile who continues, "Ranveer Uncle's weekly calls to ask whether I need something. Nimrit Aunty's frequent invitation to teach me cooking and other household activities. Then their invitations on every festival and occasions at your place."

Kavya caresses Ruhi's hand as she continues, "And how can I forget, Nimrit Aunty took me to shopping for each occasion, festivals and recently your wedding function. My clothes and accessories were same as your and Myra's. They made sure, I don't feel lonely or orphan in any phase of my life. I may not admit, but your parents had practically adopted me and treated as their daughter."

Kavya clarifies, "You denied to be adopted by them, but they see you as their daughter since 16 years. Even Myra sees you as an elder sister. We love you Ruhi and that's why we do anything and everything for your happiness."

Ruhi smiles and Kavya frowns before voicing her concern, "But Ruhi, shifting here isn't easy. Where will you stay? Renting an apartment in Mumbai is expensive and I can't even ask you to stay here with me."

Ruhi assures with a smile, "I know Kavu, that's why I am not renting an apartment, I am purchasing one."

Kavya asks in confusion, "Purchasing? How?"

Ruhi clarifies, "I sold my Delhi home to the real estate agent and instead of giving money, he is finding an apartment of similar value here."

Kavya sits up in shock and questions, "You sold your Delhi home? But you purchased it, using the insurance claim money of your parent's car accident."

Ruhi replies with a smile, "Yes, I remember how Ranveer Uncle helped in taking that money from my cruel relatives, then invested in some reliable investment plans, where I got good bonus on them. And after graduation when I decided to live on my own, instead of staying in a hostel. Uncle helped me in purchasing an apartment in Delhi with that money."

Kavya demands, "Then why did you sell it? You know, I will divorce Armaan after Myra's marriage and return to Delhi. I am not permanently staying here."

Ruhi holds her hand and explains, "I know sweety, but I had other concerns in my mind, which made me take this step."

Kavya enquires, "What concerns?"

Ruhi replies, "Have you realised what will be our salary in the NGO? Earlier we had Ranveer Uncle to support our financial expenses and I never worried for travelling because you had a car. Plus, whenever NGO has delayed to pay our salary, Ranveer Uncle had transferred money in my account for my expenses."

Ruhi's words make Kavya think, regarding the financial issues she will face by not depending on Armaan and only replying on NGO's salary, which will not be sufficient.

Ruhi continues, "And now, we cannot depend on him, I can still think of depending, but you? Never Kavu or else they will sense the problem."

Kavya agrees with a nods and Ruhi continues, "It was a huge task to convince them yesterday evening to allow me to shift here. I had to cry in front of them, saying I miss you and cannot live without you. Myra also helped in pressurizing them."

Kavya's eyes widen in surprise, knowing the drama they created to convince her parents.

She asks, "So, according to them, you shifted here because you were missing me?"

Ruhi rolls her eyes playfully and states, "Then Ms. Einstein, what should I say? Your daughter's moron of a husband has tricked her for his selfish benefits, then left her to sulk in his Mansion?"

Kavya comments sadly, "That's rude!"

Ruhi smiles and shifts closer before informing, "Tell your father, this is your his trick."

Kavya frowns in confusion and Ruhi clarifies, "Remember during school time, Uncle made a habit to visit the hostel twice or thrice a week to check on me."

Kavya nods in confirmation and Ruhi informs, "Once when he came, I was crying. He asked me the reason and I told him, few of the classmates tease me. They say, I don't have parents and relatives because they didn't want a bad girl like me."

Kavya argues, "Why didn't you tell me? I would have-"

Ruhi completes for her, "Damaged their belongings or stole their homework and assignments? Right?"

Kavya grins, remembering her kind of punishment during school and college times.

Ruhi shakes her head in disbelief at her reaction and states, "See, that's why I didn't share such incidents with you. I remember, when the school teacher insulted me for not paying the school fees on time, you poured ink on his chair before he arrived for next class. You were a goon in school and college, Kavu."

Kavya justifies herself, "I never troubled any innocent person and whoever was the victim of my revenge, truly deserved it. Plus, the teacher insulted you in front of entire class, can't he say the same in private and polite manner? It was his mistake."

Ruhi rolls her eyes and continues her story, "Anyways, so after knowing the reason, Uncle said, 'But Ruhi, this is true. Your parents died, they left you and even your relatives left you. Isn't it true?' I was so shocked with his words."

Kavya doesn't interrupt and Ruhi continues, "Then he explained, there are many things in life which will hurt us and makes one cry. But if you train your mind and heart to accept the reality and move ahead, they will never ever bother you. Some people are born with the strength to handle everything and some need to train themselves to gain that strength. So, analyse yourself and find out, if you have the strength then celebrate. Or else start training instead of crying."

Kavya smiles, learning a new theory of Ranveer through Ruhi and feels proud to have him as her father.

She states, "Papa has solution to every problem. He just knows how to tackle and live a happy life."

Ruhi agrees, "Correct and now we need to think as him, so we can survive in this problem."

Kavya nods and Ruhi informs, "The NGO will not pay over INR 25,000. So, it will be difficult to manage rent, food and other expenses in this amount."

Kavya agrees with a nod and states, "We need to find a separate source of income. But we are ordinary graduates with zero experience in the office work. How will we generate more income."

Ruhi states with a smirk, "We are ordinary and inexperienced in the office work. But there are some activities where we have mastered and have impressive experience."

Kavya demands with a confused frown, "Which activities?"

Ruhi answers, "Martial arts and Boxing."

Kavya's eyes widen in shock and Ruhi explains, "See Kavya, social work is something we love and cannot stop. So, we need a separate source of income, which will serve our financial requirements and allow us to continue with our passion. So, we will open a training institute."

Kavya questions with a doubtful frown, "But how will we do this?"

This makes Ruhi angry and she glares at Kavya, scolding, "Kavu stop it. From the time I have arrived, I have noticed, you are only thinking negative. Don't allow that heartless moron affect you."

Kavya lowers her gaze and Ruhi forcefully lifts her face to connect their gaze.

Ruhi orders in a firm tone, "You only think of Myra and your parents, but what about me? I need my best friend, my mentor, my teacher who taught me to live again after my parents death. At the age of 9, when I doubt you knew the spelling of counselling, you had spent hours to distract and motive me. I need that girl back, not this one, who has stopped using her brain."

Kavya doesn't say a word and Ruhi continues, "Kavu, you are the daughter of a successful businessman. You have those skills in your blood, which I saw during the events, you planned to raise huge funds for charity. Now employ your brain to plan a strategy to start a training institute."

Kavya lowers her gaze to think after seeing Ruhi's dangerous glare. Though she knows, Ruhi is saying for her own betterment and wellbeing.

Ruhi opens her mouth to speak, only to stop hearing her phone's ringtone. She answers the call and listens to the person.

She speaks to the caller, "Send me the address, I will come now."

She disconnects the call and faces Kavya to inform, "Perks of your father's call to the real estate agent. They got an apartment close to Helping Hand NGO's premises and you are lucky, we have to go now. But don't think, this discussion is over, we will continue later."

Kavya nods and Ruhi instructs, "Now get ready, you are accompanying me."

Kavya again nods without a word and stands to walk towards the washroom, while Ruhi remains seated on the bed.

She thinks, 'Once I get my hands on Armaan, he will regret hurting Kavu.'

Sonia and Yash's Room, Raichand Mansion, Delhi

Sonia is sitting on her bed and thinking of Kavya. The memory of her happy face during engagement and wedding haunts her, increasing her guilt.

She regrets, agreeing with Yash and risking an innocent life. Now when Armaan is gone on a business trip, her concern for Kavya has increased.

But she is so ashamed to face or even call Kavya to ask for her whereabouts.

So, having only one source left, Sonia grabs her phone and dials Mary's number.

Mary answers the call after two rings and greets her with respect, "Good afternoon Mrs. Raichand."

Sonia clenches her fist and asks with concern, "Mary, how is Kavya?"

She hears Mary taking a deep breath then sharing Kavya's reaction after she learnt of Armaan's business trip. Mary even informs Kavya's decision, which shocks Sonia.

She demands, "She is joining NGO to manage her financial needs?"

Mary confirms, "Yes, Mrs. Raichand, Kavya's self respect doesn't allow her to depend on Armaan. And her friend Ruhi has shifted here this morning to help her. Kavya is not alone now."

Sonia sighs in relief and states, "I am thankful to her friend for shifting to Mumbai for Kavya."

Mary asks with hesitation, "Sorry to interfere in the personal matter Mrs. Raichand, but Kavya doesn't deserve this behaviour. Armaan just left her alone to suffer and he didn't even inform about his trip to me. He never does that."

Sonia replies, "I know Mary, Armaan is becoming impossible to handle. He isn't answering to any of my calls or messages now. Plus, this marriage has increased his differences with his father, he has blocked Yash's number."

She sighs in helplessness and continues, "Still Yash is stubborn at his place and says, everything will fine. I don't know how it will happen?"

Mary states, "Unless Armaan doesn't return from his trip, we cannot pass any judgement."

Sonia agree, "True, but Mary, please take care of Kavya. I am glad you are in Mumbai, you have taken care of Armaan in my absence in his childhood. I trust you with Kavya now, don't let her feel lonely."

Mary assures, "Don't worry Mrs. Raichand, Kavya is my responsibility."

Sonia disconnects the call after bidding bye, and drowns in her thoughts for Armaan and Kavya.

Apartment, Mumbai

Kavya and Ruhi see the apartment carefully before giving their approval to the real estate agent. It is single bedroom apartment, but the main attraction is the spacious drawing room, which makes the girls' eyes brighten with an idea.

Ruhi suggests, "We can-"

Kavya also suggests, "We can-"

They stop hearing each other's voice and Ruhi faces Kavya with amusement to see her participation. She knows where her friend's thinking is going and decides to encourage her.

Ruhi walks closer and demands, "We can?"

Kavya lowers her gaze and suggests, "Because we don't have funds to purchase or rent another premises."

Ruhi responds with a hmmm and Kavya continues, "So, we can use this apartment for the training institute. This drawing room is massive enough for a batch of 8 students."

Ruhi presses her lips to stop her smile and demands in a forceful flat tone, "Training a batch of 8 students? How are we going to get students?"

Kavya faces Ruhi and informs, while playing with her fingers in nervousness, "I have an idea."

Ruhi notices her nervousness and thinks, 'That moron has corrupted my girl, she is bloody nervous even in sharing her ideas. Let Armaan return, I will kick him at the worst places.'

Pushing her dangerous thoughts aside, Ruhi enquires, "What idea?"

Kavya explains in response, "Nowadays, people get attracted to conceptual things."

Ruhi asks in confusion, "As in?"

Kavya answers, "As in, we have to target a particular group of people to promote our institute. Plus, we are new and unrecognised, so we have to work step by step."

Ruhi nods in understanding and asks again, "How will we do that?"

Kavya explains, "Instead of martial arts or boxing, we can focus on self defence training. We have been doing the same in Delhi for the NGO, so giving it a commercial angle will not be difficult."

Ruhi nods in acknowledgement and Kavya continues, "Plus, we can target only females for now as the amount of working women and students is huge here."

Ruhi repeats her words in brief, "So, you mean to say, we start a self defence training institute for females. We keep female students and working women in target for the promotion."

Kavya confirms with a nod and states, "Once we are successful in self defence, we can start specialised training programs."

Ruhi stares at Kavya, who further explains, "It will be a one month basic course where only defending will be taught. Then two months of advanced course, where simple martial arts skill, boxing and kick-boxing will be taught."

Kavya pauses for a moment then continues, "The funds for purchasing the equipment, needed for advanced training will be arranged after we receive fees for the one month basic course. And for promotion, we can use social media with distribution of leaflets through newspaper distributors. We can do it."

Ruhi demands immediately, "Come again."

Kavya frowns in confusion and asks, "Course plan or-"

Ruhi interrupts, "The last line."

Kavya lowers her gaze before repeating, "We can do it."

Ruhi moves closer to place her hands over Kavya's shoulder before commenting, "Now that's my girl."

She pulls Kavya for a hug with a smile, lacing her lips. She believes, now her friend will move on.

Kavya responds to the hug and asks, "How is the idea?"

Ruhi assures, "It's perfect Kavya, one again you proved, you have inherited Uncle's skills."

She breaks the hug before continuing, "I am sure, this concept will attract female crowd and we will be successful in our self defence institute."

Kavya smiles and opens her mouth to speak, only to stop hearing her phone's ringtone. She removes her phone from her pocket and finds Papa name, flashing on the screen.

Ruhi sees the same and comments, "Your Papa will live a long life, we just remembered him."

Kavya smiles in response and answers the call, then turns on the speaker before greeting, "Hi Papa."

She hears her father's serious voice, "Kavya, I didn't expect this type of behaviour from you. I am highly disappointed with your stunt."

Kavya and Ruhi face each other with shocked expression. They fear, whether Ranveer has learned the truth of Armaan's intentions to marry Kavya.

Tears form in Kavya's eyes as she thinks of the consequences.

************

That's all for now.....will update next part as soon as possible.....hope you liked this part, do give your reviews...till then Keep Smiling and Take Care

My contact details:

Wattpad Profile - @WriterAnisha_2307
Email- [email protected]
Hangout- [email protected]
Facebook - Anisha (Link - https://www.facebook.com/worldofanisha)
Twitter - worldofanisha
Instagram- Anisha_23_07