LET'S START 

The dining table is set, and everyone is seated. Priya and Raj Bansal are curious about Riddhima but don't recognize her. Raghav and Pihu are engaged in casual conversation with her kids, Ayan and Ananya.

Priya: "Riddhima, you've raised two wonderful kids. It's not easy being a single mother. How do you manage everything?"

Riddhima (smiling politely): "I had no other choice. Life taught me to be strong for my children."

(She glances at Priya, her heart aching to say more, but she holds back.)

Raj: "It's admirable. Family is important, and we should always protect our loved ones."

(Riddhima's expression hardens momentarily at the word "protect," but she quickly masks her emotions.)

Riddhima: "Yes, but sometimes, family isn't about blood. It's about the people who choose to stay with you, no matter what."

(Priya shifts uncomfortably, sensing a strange intensity in Riddhima's words.)

Pihu: "Di, that's so true! You've always said that to me, and it's one of the reasons I admire you so much."

(Riddhima smiles faintly at Pihu, her younger sister who doesn't know their true connection.)

Raghav: "The kids seem so cheerful and well-mannered. You've done a great job, Riddhima."

Riddhima: "Thank you. They're my strength. Everything I do is for them."

(Ananya giggles as she plays with Raghav, making the moment lighter. Riddhima looks at her daughter and feels a surge of love, which helps her stay composed.)

Priya: "You seem very independent, but I hope you know that you don't always have to face things alone. Sometimes, it's okay to lean on others."

(Riddhima looks directly at Priya, her voice calm but edged with emotion.)

Riddhima: "Sometimes, leaning on others isn't an option. You learn to survive by yourself because you have to."

(Priya looks taken aback but doesn't press further.)

Pihu: "Oh, come on, let's not get so serious. Riddhima di, tell us more about your work. Being a doctor and a mother—how do you balance it?"

(Riddhima smiles faintly, grateful for the change in topic.)

Riddhima: "It's challenging, but I've been fortunate to have friends who supported me along the way."

Ayan: (cheerfully) "Mumma always says we're her superheroes! Right, Mumma?"

(Everyone chuckles, and Riddhima nods, affection softening her features.)

Raj: "Well, you're clearly doing a wonderful job, Riddhima. Your parents must be so proud of you."

(Riddhima's smile falters for a split second. She looks away briefly before replying.)

Riddhima: "I wouldn't know about that. I don't have a family and for me everything is my kids"

(The atmosphere grows slightly tense, but before anyone can ask more, Pihu interjects.)

Pihu: "Di, why don't we show Mom and Dad around the house? It's lovely here."

(Riddhima quickly agrees, wanting to avoid further questions. She leads them to the living room, where they continue with lighter conversation, keeping her emotions in check.)

Riddhima walks into her room after the dinner conversation, carefully closing the door behind her. She leans against it, her composure finally cracking as her emotions overwhelm her. She walks over to the window, staring out at the night sky, her thoughts racing.

Riddhima's POV:
"Why did this have to happen today? After all these years, why did they have to come back into my life now? Why does seeing them still hurt so much?"

She wipes a tear that escapes her eye but more follow. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she looks at a small photo frame on her bedside table. It's a picture of Ayan and Ananya smiling brightly.

Riddhima (to herself):
"I promised myself I wouldn't let the past affect my present. But seeing them... it brought everything back. The fire, the pain, the betrayal."

Her fists clench at the memory of being left at the orphanage. She recalls the moments of loneliness, the times she cried herself to sleep, hoping her family would return for her.

Flashback:
The flames engulfed the orphanage as she screamed for help. She remembered the panic, the terror, and the way she thought her family had abandoned her. For years, she believed they had chosen to leave her behind, not realizing they thought she was dead.

Back in the present, Riddhima runs her fingers through her hair, frustration and sadness evident in her expression.

Riddhima (to herself):
"They talk about family, about protection, as if they didn't leave me to fend for myself. And now they sit at my table, praising me for my strength? They don't even know that the strength they're so proud of came from the pain they caused."

She stands up abruptly, pacing the room. Her heart is heavy with conflicting emotions.

"Why didn't they recognize me? Do I look so different now? Or are they too busy pretending to be the perfect family to see the daughter they left behind?"

She pauses, looking in the mirror.

Riddhima (softly):
"I can't let them know. Not now. Not ever. They don't deserve to know the truth. They don't deserve Ayan and Ananya."

Her resolve hardens as she decides to keep the secret buried deep within her. She looks at the clock, realizing it's late. Wiping her tears, she straightens her posture.

Riddhima (to herself):
"Tomorrow is another day. I have to stay strong—for my kids, for myself. The past has no place here."

She turns off the lights and climbs into bed, trying to push the memories aside. As she closes her eyes, her thoughts linger on her children and the life she has built, reminding herself that they are all that truly matters now.

The Next Morning

Riddhima gets ready for work, her mind still heavy with thoughts of the previous night. She glances at Ayan and Ananya, who are busy playing with their toys.

Riddhima (to the kids):
"Okay, my little munchkins, today you're going to spend some time with Pihu and her family. Be good, alright?"

Ayan: "Will you come back soon, Mama?"

Riddhima (smiling):
"Of course, sweetheart. I'll be back before dinner. You two behave, okay?"

Ananya: "We promise, Mama! But can we have ice cream with Pihu Massi?"

Riddhima chuckles, kneeling to kiss both of them on their foreheads.

Riddhima:
"We'll see. Now, go play."

She watches them run off to Pihu, who is chatting with Priya and Raghav in the living room. Riddhima takes a deep breath and steps in.

Riddhima:
"Thank you for looking after them today. I have an important surgery scheduled, and I might get late."

Pihu: "Relax, Riddhima di. We love spending time with Ayan and Ananya. Don't worry about a thing."

Priya smiles warmly, stepping closer.

Priya:
"Don't stress yourself too much. It's not easy managing kids and work. If you need help, we're here."

Riddhima nods politely, masking her emotions.

Riddhima:
"Thank you. I'll take your leave now."

As she walks out, Priya watches her with a curious expression, as if sensing something familiar about her.

Scene: At the Hospital

Riddhima immerses herself in work, focusing on her patients and upcoming surgery. In the middle of her rounds, Sara video calls her from abroad.

Sara:
"Riddhima! How's everything going?"

Riddhima (smiling):
"Busy, as usual. How about you? How's married life treating you?"

Sara:
"Great! But I miss our old days. How are the kids? And how's Pihu managing with you?"

Riddhima:
"The kids are good, and Pihu is wonderful. She's great with them."

Sara pauses for a moment, studying Riddhima's expression.

Sara:
"You look...off. What's wrong?"

Riddhima hesitates but eventually confides.

Riddhima:
"Pihu's family is in town. And...they're my family. The ones who left me at the orphanage."

Sara (shocked):
"What? Did you tell them?"

Riddhima:
"No, and I don't plan to. They think I'm dead, and I intend to keep it that way."

Sara looks at her sympathetically.

Sara:
"Riddhima, maybe this is your chance to get closure. Don't you want answers?"

Riddhima (firmly):
"I've built my life without them. My only focus now is my kids. They don't need to know the truth, and I don't need answers anymore."

Sara sighs but doesn't push further.

Sara:
"Alright, but promise me you'll take care of yourself. You've been through enough."

Riddhima:
"I will. Thanks, Sara."

Scene: At the Bansal House

Back at the Bansal house, Ayan and Ananya are the center of attention. Priya watches them play with a soft smile.

Priya:
"They're such lovely children. Riddhima must be so proud."

Pihu:
"She is. Riddhima di has done everything for them on her own. She's amazing."

Raghav looks thoughtful.

Raghav:
"She reminds me of someone...I just can't put my finger on it."

Priya (nodding):
"Me too. There's something familiar about her, but I can't place it."

Ananya runs up to Priya with a drawing.

Ananya:
"Look, Nani! I made this for you!"

Priya's heart swells at the term "Nani," and she pulls Ananya into a hug.

Priya:
"Thank you, sweetheart. This is beautiful."

Ayan joins them, showing off his toy airplane, and the room fills with laughter. Priya and Raghav exchange a glance, both feeling an inexplicable connection to the children.

Riddhima Returns Home

Riddhima steps into the house after a long day at the hospital, exhausted yet eager to see her kids. She hears their laughter coming from the living room. As she approaches, she sees Ayan and Ananya playing with Priya and Raghav, their joy filling the air.

Riddhima (smiling softly):
"Looks like someone had a great day."

The kids run to her, hugging her tightly.

Ayan: "Mama! We had so much fun with Nanu and Nani!"

Riddhima stiffens slightly at the words but quickly composes herself, kneeling to kiss both her children.

Riddhima:
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves. Now go wash your hands; it's almost dinner time."

The kids run off, leaving Riddhima alone with Pihu and the Bansals.

Pihu (hesitating):
"Riddhima di, I need to tell you something."

Riddhima:
"Is everything alright?"

Pihu:
"Yes, everything's fine. But we are leaving tomorrow morning. We have some urgent work back in Mumbai."

Riddhima's heart skips a beat. She had expected this moment but wasn't prepared for how it would feel.

Riddhima (calmly):
"Oh, I see."

Priya steps forward, her voice gentle.

Priya:
"Riddhima, thank you for your hospitality. It's been wonderful spending time here. You have a lovely home and such beautiful children."

Riddhima (with a polite smile):
"Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay."

Raghav nods, looking thoughtful.

Raghav:
"You've done an amazing job, Riddhima. Managing work and raising kids isn't easy, but you've handled it all so well."

Riddhima's smile falters for a moment as emotions threaten to overwhelm her, but she quickly regains her composure.

Riddhima:
"It's just something a mother does for her children."

Pihu notices the tension in Riddhima's posture and gently places a hand on her shoulder.

Pihu:
"Riddhima di, you should rest now. I'll handle the dinner arrangements tonight."

Scene: In Riddhima's Room

Later that evening, after dinner, Riddhima sits alone in her room, staring at a photo of Ayan and Ananya. Her thoughts swirl as she processes the day.

Riddhima (thinking):
"They're leaving tomorrow, just like they left me all those years ago. But this time, I won't let it affect me. I've built a life for myself and my children. That's all that matters now."

Her mind drifts to her mother's kind words and her father's proud gaze. For a moment, she wonders what it would be like to tell them the truth—to reveal that she is the daughter they thought they had lost. But the pain of abandonment and the fear of rejection hold her back.

Riddhima (to herself):
"No, they don't need to know. I've moved on, and so have they. The past doesn't matter anymore."

She wipes away a tear and takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the next day.

Late Night in the Kitchen

Riddhima walks into the dimly lit kitchen, unable to sleep. The weight of the day's emotions presses heavily on her mind. She decides to make herself some black coffee, hoping it will help her think clearly.

As she turns on the light, she notices Raj Bansal sitting quietly at the dining table, lost in thought. Surprised, she pauses for a moment before addressing him.

Riddhima (softly):
"Mr. Bansal, do you need something? It's quite late."

Raj looks up, startled by her voice. He offers her a faint smile, shaking his head.

Raj:
"No, I'm fine. I just... couldn't sleep."

Riddhima nods, understanding the sentiment all too well. She moves to the counter and begins preparing her coffee.

Riddhima:
"Would you like some tea or coffee? It might help."

Raj (hesitating):
"Tea would be nice, thank you."

Riddhima silently brews a cup of tea and places it in front of him, taking her seat across the table with her own coffee. For a moment, neither speaks, the quiet hum of the kitchen filling the space.

Raj (breaking the silence):
"Your children are wonderful. They seem so happy and well-mannered."

Riddhima smiles faintly, her fingers tracing the rim of her mug.

Riddhima:
"Thank you. They're my everything."

Raj studies her for a moment, his expression thoughtful.

Raj:
"You're doing a remarkable job, raising them on your own. It takes strength and resilience to manage what you do."

Riddhima feels a pang in her heart at his words, but she masks it with a nod.

Riddhima:
"Sometimes, life doesn't leave you with much of a choice. You either fight through it or let it consume you."

Raj's gaze softens as he listens to her words, sensing the weight behind them.

Raj:
"That's true. But not everyone can rise above their circumstances like you have. It's admirable."

The sincerity in his tone catches Riddhima off guard. She looks at him, her emotions threatening to spill over.

Riddhima (quietly):
"Thank you. It means a lot to hear that."

Raj takes a sip of his tea, his demeanor pensive.

Raj:
"Sometimes, we make decisions in life that we think are for the best... only to realize later that they've hurt the ones we care about the most."

Riddhima stiffens at his words, the unspoken weight of their shared history hanging between them. She struggles to keep her emotions in check.

Riddhima:
"I suppose we all have our regrets."

Raj nods, his eyes filled with unspoken pain.

Raj:
"Yes, we do. But sometimes, life gives us second chances—to mend what's broken, to make things right."

Riddhima feels her resolve wavering but quickly steels herself. She stands, picking up her empty mug.

Riddhima (gently):
"It's getting late. You should rest, Mr. Bansal."

Raj looks up at her, as if wanting to say more, but he simply nods.

Raj:
"Goodnight, Riddhima. And thank you for the tea."

Riddhima:
"Goodnight."

As she walks back to her room, Riddhima's mind is a storm of emotions. His words echo in her heart, stirring memories she thought she had buried long ago.

Riddhima (thinking):
"Second chances... do they really exist? Or is it just wishful thinking?"

She sighs, knowing sleep will continue to elude her.

That's it for today

I hope you loved it

I litterly felt like crying while writing it 

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