Sun Saiyaan

"In a room full of coals, there is always a shining diamond."

. . .

Chapter 10

Sat on the bed with Uttara, Sujata sniffed, wiping her tears while complaining. "It's always been like this Uttu. It was always Bhaisa for him over us. Every single thing we did, we had to always ask Bhaisa. He couldn't even take us out on normal family trips, he was never there for us properly. He always involved Bhaisa in everything, including naming you and Sanskaar but Bhaisa had never asked us when he named his children. I'm honestly so sick and tired of this, it has always been Bhaisa in control and because of that I lost Sanskaar before, but now I don't want to. I agree what he did was wrong, I don't support it but if I'm not there to advise him then how would he understand. He was broken by Bhaisa who disowned him simply for being in love with a girl from another caste, but now look, he let his son Lakshya marry Swara. Kavita was a Bengali too! If he had simply allowed Sanskaar to marry Kavita then things would've been different right? We would've been a happy family. He always ruins things and then says he did nothing wrong. He would never see his mistakes. After years we finally got Sanskaar back, he admitted his mistake and apologised, he even feels guilty and wants another chance to reform but they all lashed out at him. If Lakshya had made the same mistake then they would've forgiven him! What hurts me the most is that your father never stands up for me or you or Sanskaar! Whatever Bhaisa says he follows. We don't mean anything to him." Tears continue seeping out of her eyes while she shares what's causing her pain and discomfort.

Uttara wiped her own tears and held Sujata's hand, "whatever Bhai did was wrong. I don't support it, he tried to ruin Lakshya Bhaiyya's wedding and ruin our respect. But he realised his mistakes, admitted his wrongdoings and apologised. I know they won't forgive him but as long as he had a change of heart, that's all that matters. His vengeance must've only been triggered after he heard that Lakshya Bhaiyya was getting married to Swara Bhabhi, he must've found it unfair because they disowned him but accepted Lakshya Bhaiyya and Swara Bhabhi's relationship."

"Can we blame him? I know he shouldn't have chosen that path, but after what this family did with him compared to what they did to Lakshya over the same issue, must've hurt him. But see how easily Bhaisa disowned Sanskaar but gave into Lakshya's stubbornness. It really proves your own blood is your own. We are nothing but a speck of dust in his house. He doesn't even see us as humans." Sujata sounded hurt as she uttered, wiping her tears and lowering her gaze.

Uttara felt a mix of emotions, agreeing with Sujata's point yet a little confused. She knew her brother was wrong, but he realised his mistakes and owned up to what he did and not everyone are brave enough to do this, but she is also familiar with the struggles Lakshya had to go through to convince Durga Prasad to let him marry Swara. Her heart felt like it was sinking after thinking about how her brother was disowned for merely loving someone who was a different caste, and how he was left to be alone for all these years, how much must he have resented them to have done what he did, yet no one understands how he felt like he wasn't a part of their family after what they had done to him, she found it unfair and tears seeped down her eyes. She hugged Sujata and started crying, starting to feel bad for Sanskaar. "My heart is breaking Mom, what do I do? Bhai must've felt so lonely, we should've been there for him but he must've felt like he had no one, how much did he suffer all alone?" She mumbled between her cries and Sujata couldn't help but cry again.

Sujata hugged Uttara tightly and caressed her hair, she didn't like that Uttara was crying. But she understood why, if Uttara was in Sanskaar's place, she might have done the same, how unfair would it feel if one was disowned and the other one was accepted over the same situation, it would show who they prefer more.

"Shh. Don't cry Uttu. We are done with this family, they can never be ours." Sujata consoled and broke the hug, wiping Uttara's tears. "They just use people for their benefits. This time it's just me, you, Sanskaar and Ragini for each other, we don't need anyone else." She added and pecked her forehead.

Uttara nodded her head and managed to catch her breath, she tried to control her cries and held onto Sujata's arm. "Help me pack." She uttered and Sujata nodded her head with a faint smile.

"But Mom, another point that you made. Now that I think about it, it's true too. Swara Bhabhi married Lakshya Bhaiyya even though she knew Ragini Bhabhi liked her. Like I support their love but I don't think this was a right thing to do, she shouldn't have went ahead even if Ragini Bhabhi claimed if she was okay because she clearly wasn't. But then again love is love, but nowadays best friends end their friendship if the friend goes for the same guy, but they're sisters so it must've felt so much worse. How much must've Ragini Bhabhi sacrificed for other people? I find it unfair how they expect her to be okay when she doesn't really have to be okay, it's okay to be broken and hurt and express your feelings. I feel so bad for her, I know I would've hated my friend and ended my friendship if my friend went ahead to date the guy I said I liked first cause that's snaky!" Uttara had recalled the argument Sujata had at the Gadodia House after Ragini and Sanskaar got married. Her heart ached for Ragini, as a female and thinking about the situation if she was in it herself, Uttara expressed her true opinion, she would've hated it if her best friend had liked the same guy she liked first and made a move, it would've broken her and made her insecure, what must've been so much better in her friend that wasn't in her. Being okay with Swara and Lakshya's relationship, Uttara was also considering Ragini's situation and feeling more bad for her. Her heart felt agitated at this thought, and she felt guilty for feeling like this, would she now be considered evil for thinking this, would she be taunted by everyone who would be saying that she's selfish like her mother and brother. The thought of that made her feel anxious but that's when it clicked. . . The reality of her family!

Sujata nodded her head at Uttara agreeing with her, "my older sister was supposed to marry your father but something happened and I was then forced to marry him even though I didn't want to, I felt apologetic towards my sister and she stopped speaking to me after that. The last day I saw her was on my marriage day and the last time I spoke to her was before the announcement of me marrying your father was made. If a situation like this had occurred where Swara was forced to marry Lakshya, then we would've understood but falling in love with the same guy my sister liked and knowing that my sister liked him would've made anyone upset. I hate how no one understands how Ragini must've felt, she was kind enough to still talk to Swara after she stole her love from her! But like I said Uttu, this family is selfish so of course they'll attract a selfish person as their daughter-in-law. But no one stays happy after stealing someone else's happiness for long, they'll get their karma. For once, have you ever heard Bhaisa apologise and admit to his mistake? Yet Sanskaar who admitted is still considered as a villain."

Uttara was shocked to hear Sujata tell her about her sister who stopped talking to her, "what? Mausi stopped talking to you? But it makes sense now, she wouldn't treat us nicely whenever we used to go visit Naanima." Everything started to make sense and Uttara sighed, "I'm starting to get tired now Mom, let's rest, we'll also be moving tomorrow so we'll need the energy."

Sujata nodded and Uttara laid on her back, covering herself with the blanket. Sujata stood up from the bed and went towards the lights, turning them off, preparing herself to go to bed too.

. . .

The sun rose, shining brightly as the clouds moved further away. As soon as the clock hands struck to 8:00am, Durga Prasad, Ram Prasad and Adarsh were heading down the stairs. Their expressions weren't normal, it clearly showed how distraught and stressed they had been after the series of shocking events yesterday.

Annapurna and Parineeta were setting the table for breakfast as normal. Despite what happened yesterday, they didn't change their morning routine. They couldn't have a rest after the stress because if they sat down to rest then who would've done the work. Who would've fed their husbands and the family.

Durga Prasad, Ram Prasad and Adarsh took a seat on the dining table in their regular spots. Swara rushed out of the kitchen with a dish of food and put it on the table.

"Where is Lakshya?" Durga Prasad asked and she flapped her eyes, "he's having a shower, he'll be down in a bit." She responded in a calm tone and he nodded his head.

Uttara rushed down the stairs in a hurry and towards the dining table, taking a seat. "Sorry I'm late." She apologised and looked down at the time on her phone, it was only 8:02am.

Everyone was aware how keen Durga Prasad was on punctuality, but because of Lakshya being late every now and then, he let that slide, however, if you had been 10 minutes late, he would've created a commotion. It was unfair and everyone felt that way, yet no one was brave enough to argue back.

"Yes, I'll be there at 9:20. Thank you, see you soon!" Everyone glance towards the stairs, watching Sanskaar walk down while he disconnected the phone and slid it down his pocket.

He felt awkward and uncomfortable after watching everyone look at him. He wasn't sure what to say or what to do, he nervously blinked at them. He knew his presence was irritating them as they absolutely hated him. He anxiously looked down, consoling himself. 'It's okay, don't think too much about them. Just leave.' He turned around to leave but halted as soon as he heard Durga Prasad.

"Sanskaar!" He swallowed his spit and turned to face them once again. "Come here." He ordered in a stern tone and Sanskaar hesitantly and slowly walked down towards the dining table.

X

In Sanskaar's room, Ragini exited the bathroom after getting changed and glanced around, finding Sanskaar who was sleeping half an hour ago missing. Unaffected by his disappearance, Ragini approached the bed and sat on it.

Flapping her eyes, she realised she hated the thought of even stepping out of the room. She didn't wanna go down or do anything at all. She just wants to sit all alone and away from everyone. Her anxiety started to build up and she started shaking, her own feelings were causing her distress and she didn't know how to stop it. Her eyes watered and she closed her eyes, taking deep breaths.

"Ragini." Hearing Sujata's concerned voice, Ragini managed to open her eyes and blink at her with tears rolling down her eyes. "Are you okay?" Sujata rushed towards her and placed her hand on her shoulder, confused and shocked to see Ragini shaking. She didn't know what to do or what to say to console her. It was her first time witnessing someone shaking.

"Ragini, shhh. Calm down." She forved Ragini into a hug, pushing her head to rest against her stomach and she patted her back.

Ragini inhaled and exhaled, trying her hardest to control herself. "I don't know what's happening." She cried and started shaking even more, "I don't know what to do." She sounded afraid and frightened by what was happening to her. It was her first time experiencing this too. "Please help me." She quivered and closed her eyes, starting to sob.

Sujata's eyes welled up with tears, afraid herself, she took a deep breath and decided to speak whatever came on her mind. "Ragini, you're okay. I'm here. Don't worry. I'm here with you. You're not alone." She mumbled and hugged her tighter, "calm down. Everything will be fine. You have me now, you're like my daughter. I will always support you. I want you to start a new life with me, Uttara and Sanskaar. We promise to keep you happy. We may not be perfect but we will try to create our own little happy family."

Ragini slowly started to calm down after hearing the words 'happy family.' As her thoughts began to be occupied, her body stopped shaking, 'Happy family? What does it feel to have a happy family? Will it be the same as what I've seen with Baba, Daadima, Daadaji and Shomi Maa?' What could an ideal happy family look like, no one will know until they make a happy family themselves and feel all the emotions that are experienced in that environment.

Sujata sighed a deep relief after seeing Ragini still and continued hugging her. She wiped her tears and broke the hug, "come Ragini, let's have breakfast." She uttered, trying to distract Ragini and keeping it normal. She didn't want to bring what just happened to make her feel uncomfortable.

"I don't want to." Ragini instantly refused and shook her head negatively. "I don't want to." She repeated again and panted, swallowing her spit.

"Why? It's not like you've done anything wrong. Come, let's go have some breakfast. The people that should be hiding are them." Sujata says and holds Ragini's hand, encouraging her to stand up.

Ragini stared into space while walking with Sujata, her feelings begin to change and her fist clenched. 'I might start hating them more than I do now, what if I let my intrusive thoughts win?' The thought of seeing them downstairs was enough to make her angry, how would her mind react to seeing them in front of her, she knew her heart would turn cold and the brain will urge her to get revenge, yet she was willing to risk it because she has nothing to lose now. Everything she treasured was taken away from her, and she killed her innocence long time ago. She wasn't afraid anymore, all she now wants is for them to hurt the same way she was hurt.

She snapped out of her thoughts and realised that they had already walked down the stairs and are now in the hall, where Sanskaar was sat, lost in thoughts.

Reflecting on what Durga Prasad told him earlier, he finally reached to a conclusion.

"Sanskaar, come here."

Sanskaar stood in front of Durga Prasad, nervous and ashamed. Durga Prasad stood up and faced him. "Marrying Ragini was your choice, but now taking care of her is our responsibility. You dragged her into this mess and now we have to clean it up for you. Did you not feel apologetic towards her a single bit? Why would you ruin her life like this? Now we are indebted to Shekhar Ji. The only way we can repay him is to take care of Ragini, give her a good life and make sure she doesn't have any difficulties while staying here. Only for Ragini sake, we have decided to let you guys stay here. At least fix this mistake that you made, she was trusted to you by her grandma, and she was trusted to us by her father, so now we have to take care of her together! This is your chance to show us you changed and that you regret what you did."

Sanskaar was surprised by Durga Prasad's words and lowered his head giving it a thought. Swara was pleased to hear that and sighed a relief.

Lakshya brushed past Sanskaar and took a seat on the dining table without making eye contact with him. Sanskaar lifted his head and glanced around, only seeing Swara, Parineeta and Annapurna make eye contact with him, the rest were ignoring him, including Uttara. But Uttara wasn't ignoring, she was just thinking about something.

"Only family should sit at this table, family who care about each other's happiness, not selfish and self-obsessed people that try to ruin other people's happiness for their own pleasure. Such a psychotic move right?" Lakshya taunted while glancing at everyone apart from Sanskaar.

Sanskaar turned around to leave and Uttara stood up, "Bhai." She rushed in front of Sanskaar, "have something before you go." Durga Prasad ignored the interaction while Ram and Lakshya were shocked.

"I'm not hungry." Sanskaar replied but Uttara decided to ignore that, "I'll go get something for you to eat. Please wait. If you leave then I'll genuinely be very upset." Without hearing anything else from him, she ran towards the kitchen.

"Here." Uttara placed a plate of breakfast in front of Sanskaar, who stared at it. "Thank you Uttara, you didn't have to."

"I just didn't want you to stay hungry." She replied back and then Sujata smiled after seeing this interaction.

"Let's begin." Durga Prasad uttered at everyone sat on the dining table and they nodded at him, starting to eat.

After taking the first bite, Ram, Durga Prasad, Adarsh and Lakshya started coughing, spitting it back out on the plate. Their faces turn bitter and they glance at Annapurna, Parineeta and Swara.

"What is this?" Durga Prasad questioned sounding annoyed while surprising Annapurna, Swara and Parineeta.

T o B e C o n t i n u e d

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✨❤️ THANK YOU FOR READING! ❤️✨

I am back again with another chapter, an early bird this time! I really hope all of you enjoyed reading this chapter, let me know what you think of it in the comments and don't forget to give it a like by pressing the star!

Fingers crossed that I stay consistent like this, I might not be able to do once a week all the time, but I'll deffo update once a month. I won't take longer than that, I already left it pending for too long!

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I love and appreciate all of you for supporting the story and liking it! I wish to continue being a good writer for all of you and don't disappoint.

And signing off for today,
Halima 😘🫶🏼✨