FLASHBACK,

ON THE DAY OF AHAAN, AHAANA & ARYA'S BIRTHDAY

As AK reached the temple to conduct the puja for Aadarsh and Sunidhi she was shocked to find Mr and Mrs Rajput. The persons whom she never thought of meeting again in her whole life. The persons who thought her to be dead till date.

She was contemplating whether to move inside or leave from there without facing them and then deciding on the latter, as she was about to leave, she heard them calling her.

Turning slowly towards them, fearing their reaction she stood still to face whatever that would come her way, only if she knew that what was about to come would break her to no extent.

Mrs Rajput greeted her with a tight slap which made AK stumble on her feet. The vicious rage clearly depicted in her eyes.

Mrs. Rajput: To mai galat nahi thi? Tum sach me zinda ho.

Before she could respond to her, the priest intervened their conversation.

Pandit: Achha hua aap aa gayi. Ye log bhi yahaan inki hi barsi ki puja karane aaye hai, to kya aap sab saath me puja kar lenge?

Mrs. Rajput: Hargiz nahi!!! Is ladki ke saath to ye puja nahi hogi.

Pandit: Lekin jab aap donon ko ek hi jode ki barsi ki puja karani hai to alag alag kyun?

Mrs. Rajput: Kyunki jisne mere Bete aur Bahu ko maar diya hai mai uske saath puja nahi karungi.

Guddan closed her eyes heaving a dejected sigh not before looking at the idol infront of her eyes.

How many more deaths will she be blamed for? She was blamed for her mother's death at a tender age. Then for her husband's ex brother's-in-law (Vikram) death. Then her husband's brother's death. Then the death of her husband's ex-wife's which she faked. Then the death of her husband's friend (Vikrant). Then the death of her husband's falsely claimed daughter. Then the death of her unborn child. And now her cousin who was no less than a mother to her and her brother-in-law whom she could undoubtedly claim as God figure for her. And not to forget the death of the innumerable relations she ever had.

She opened her eyes not having the courage to break down anymore. She wasn't left with anything to break down again, she already had the last stroke. But what was about to come proved her wrong.

AK: Aap ko mere saath puja nahi karni? Koi baat nahi! Mai chali jaati hun yahaan se. Aap log puja kar lijiye.

She was about to leave but the next words of Mrs. Rajput stopped her in her tracks.

Mrs. Rajput: Sirf is mandir se nahi, hamari zindagi se bhi chali jao, abhi ke liye nahi, hamesha hamesha ke liye lekin hamare pote ko hamare paas chhod kar.

How did they know about Ahaan?

It was the only thougt that crossed her mind. It wasn't difficult to guess. She was a popular face. When they might have known about her being alive, they would have done a whole research about her which lead them to know about their grandson, Ahaan who surprisingly, for them was still alive along with her.

AK: Ah... Ahaan?

Mrs. Rajput: Haan to tumhe kya laga hame pata nahi chalega ki tumne hamare pote ko itne arse hamse alag rakha, door rakha. Alag rakhna to door ki baat hai, hame to ye tak nahi bataya ki wo zinda bhi hai.

AK: Aap galat samajh rahe hai. Ahaan....

Mrs. Rajput: Jhoot bolne ki koshish bhi mat karna. Tumne jo kiya so kiya, ab hame usse koi matlab nahi lekin ab hame hamara pota chahiye.

AK: Ah.... mai kaise.... Ahaan... nahi reh sakti uske bina... please samajhiye....

She stuttered out some words as her mind clogged up with the consequences of being separated from her son, her only support of life.

Mrs. Rajput: Nahi reh sakti tum uske bina? To kabhi socha ki ham kaise reh rahe hai apne bete ke bina. Ahaan to phir bhi tumhara saga beta nahi, hamne to apna khoon khoya hai.

She sobbed out loud listening to her words. Blood or not, he mattered her the most. Only if the world could understand it.

AK: Please, mai aap ke aage haath jodti hun, mai aapke pair pakadti hun lekin Ahaan ko mujhse door mat kijiye. Aap uske saath reh sakte hai lekin mujhse alag mat karein bas, please. Mai mar jaaungi uske bina.

She fell onto her knees holding her feet, sobbing pleadingly. She jerked her away making her stumble as her elbows got bruised by the rocky ground, the sleeve got torn and the wound bleeding profusely.

Mrs. Rajput: Tum hoti koun ho hame uske saath rehne ke liye permission dene wali!!! Hamara haq banta hai aur hame ise lene se koi nahi rok sakta. Ahaan ko to ham apne saath le kar hi aayenge.

AK: Please aap meri baat to samjhe....

Mrs. Rajput: Baat to tum meri suno ladki! Agar tumne hamare pote ko hame nahi dene ka faisla kiya na to hame tumhara sach uske saamne laane me der nahi lagegi. Hame use ye batane me bilkul bhi jhijhak nahi hogi ki tum uski sagi Maa nahi ho. Balki wo aurat ho jisne uske sar se uske Maa Baap ka saaya chheen liya hai. Aur jo tumne ye nakli naam aur pehchaan bana kar poori duniya ke saamne ho na use bhi mitt me milne me der nahi lagegi.

This shocked her to the core. This couldn't happen. She couldn't meet her own eyes everytime she is reminded of how they died because of her and now she wouldn't be able to look into Ahaan's eyes and face him if this ever happen. And about her name, fame and reputation ; everything could end and she would care less about it.

She looked at Mr. Rajput for any help who was being nothing but a witness to the entire drama unfolding infront of him. He might have been the judge of Supreme Court for the world but in his personal life, the actual judge and the power of decision making was withheld by his wife and he had no say in that. Seeing that she was firm on her decision, AK stood up nodding her head. She could also feel the turmoil the woman infront of her was going through. And she cannot let her suffer more.

She has to let go of Ahaan willingly to remain his 'Mumma' forever. Atleast, she wouldn't be termed as his parents' murderer.

AK: Theek hai. Jaisi aapki marzi. Lekin please aaj ek din mujhe uske saath rehne dijiye... uske baad aap jo karna chahe kar lijiye.

She was about to decline for that as well but her husband held her hand indicating her not to do so. Surprisingly, agreeing to him, she gave a curt nod and dismissed, bidding her with misery and dismay.

FLASHBACK ENDS
_____________________________________

It was the day when the first hearing for Ahaan's custody would happen. Usually it takes months or even years for a case to start but it wasn't the same for them as Ahaan's grandfather was a retired judge of Supreme Court which gave them an advantage of early hearing of case. AK was in her room since morning and no one even had a sight of her. She came out only when it was time to reach the court.

Revati: Di, aap......

AK: I don't want to speak anything now, Revati!

She left in her own car without letting anyone else join her. Revati, Shrestha along with AJ and Dadi also headed towards the court. Kunal and Karan also joined them from their place.

Kunal: Chhoti, ek baar phir soch le....

He spoke trying to make her reconsider her decision of letting them have Ahaan's custody before getting inside the court room.

AK: Bhai, socha tab jaata hai jab decision lena baaki ho. I have already decided and that's not going to change.

She entered into the room leaving everyone behind. The four walls where everyone got justice left her complexed. She didn't know what was the actual justice in this custody case. Allowing Ahaan to stay with his grandparents, his own blood or with his mother, who was just by words, not by blood.

Karan A: I wonder why she hasn't been recorded yet as the world's most stubborn lady in the Guinness book of world records.

Shrestha: The same reason as for why you haven't been recorded as the most insensible person in the world.

Before they could argue further, they were shut by Kunal's glare and were ushered to the courtroom.

_____________________________________

Arya: Ahaan please tum mere saath ghar chalo na. Mujhe ab bilkul bhi achha nahi lagta tumhare bina.

She suggested Ahaan expectantly, internally praying that he would agree upon her idea. They were at their school and it was the time to return to their home. Her own home that she used to love being in was what she disliked now because of her friend's absence. She wasn't even on talking terms with her favourite person, her Angel as she was angry for letting Ahaan go away from them. Practically, they haven't even met each other since the day Ahaan's grandparents visited Jindal Bhavan as she was always with Ahaana and at the time she returns, Arya wouldn't be there.

Ahaan: Tum jaanti ho mai nahi aa sakta. Dadi bohot gussa karengi.

Arya: Aur mera kya? Tum meri bilkul bhi care nahi karte na ab? Ab to tumhe tumhare Dadu, Dadi mill gaye hai, tumhare new friends, to ab tumhe is friend ki kya zaroorat. Hai na?

Ahaan: Aisa nahi hai Arya. Tum hamesha meri friend rahogi, sirf friend nahi best friend. Lekin mai kya karunga wahaan jaa kar, ab to Mumma bhi mere saath nahi rehna chahti.

Arya: Aisa tumse kisne kaha?

Ahaan: Kisine nahi. Lekin agar unhe mere saath rehna hota to wo mujhe bhejti hi nahi  aur agar bhej diya to waapas to bulati na mujhe. Par unhone to aisa kuchh kiya hi nahi.

Arya: Agar tum Angel ke liye nahi aana chahte to koi baat nahi, waise bhi wo ghar par zyaada rehti bhi nahi hai. Tum mere liye chalo. Aur Dadda, tum unhe miss nahi karte?

Ahaan: Bohot miss karta hun mai AJ uncle ko. Sochta hun, kaash meri life me bhi koi un ke jaisa hota to mujhe Dadu, Dadi ke saath rehne ke liye Mumma, Maasi aur tum se door nahi hona padta.

As they both reached their respective cars they found the drivers speaking to each other and the words left them stunned.

Ahaan's Driver: Ab to koi chamatkaar hi Ahaan Baba ko Madam se door hone se bacha sakta hai. Ye case to zaroor Bade Sahab hi jeetenge aur agar aisa hua to Maalkin kabhi Ahaan Baba ko Madam se milne nahi dengi.

Arya's driver: Ye baat to bilkul sach hai. Ham bhagwaan se prarthna ke ilaava aur kuchh nahi kar sakte.

Ahaan's Driver: Achha thik hai mai chalta hun. Phir mujhe court bhi jaana hai.

As they turned to get the children, they were shocked to find them listening to their conversation.

Arya: Hame bhi court le kar chalein.

Arya's driver: Ye aap kya keh rahi hai? Ham aapko wahaan nahi le jaa sakte. AJ sahab ko pata chala to wo hamein zinda nahi chhodenge.

Ahaan's Driver: Ye sahi keh rahe hai. Ham aap ko wahaan nahi le ja sakte. Aap donon ko abhi ghar hi chalna hoga.

Arya: Agar aap hamein wahaan nahi le jaayenge to ham donon khud wahaan chale jaayenge.

She held Ahaan's hand and moved towards the road and waved her hand making a few autos and taxis to halt.

Arya's Driver: Thik hai ham aapko le jaayenge. Aap please gaadi ke andar jaaiye.

They were literally stuck between the devil and deep sea. They can neither take them to court nor allow them to travel in a public transport alone. But the former option seemed much easier to follow as it doesn't risk the children's life.

_____________________________________

Judge: Karwaayi shuru ki jaaye!

Mr. Rajput's lawyer started giving all the information he has collected regarding the case. The information wasn't completely accurate as they had to alter it in context to hide the truth of incident that occured six years ago.

After the insight provided by the lawyer regarding the case, Mr and Mrs Rajput were called upon the witness box to testify the statements.

After their statements were recorded, the judge asked AK's lawyer to further proceed the case.

Mr. Joshi: Your honor! My client is willing to handover the custody.

He uttered the words skeptically as ordered by AK.

Judge: And why so, Mr Joshi? Can you please elaborate?

AK: I will do the honors!

She intervened their conversation and came forward to step into the witness box. Kunal ducked his head at her actions. He clearly explained her before that she shouldn't violate any of the court rules as it will fire against her but whom has this girl ever listened to.

AK: I am willingly handing over the custody of Ahaan to Mr and Mrs Rajput.

Judge: Do you understand what this statement will lead to? Aapko hamesha  ke liye apne bete se door hona hoga.

"Aisa bilkul bhi nahi ho sakta", a meek but loud voice grabbed everyone's attention as they looked at the entrance. The guards were trying to stop the two children who were hell bent on annoying them. On the count of 1-2-3 by Arya, both bent and rolled down on the floor entering the courtroom escaping from the guards.

Arya: Judge Aunty! Aap uthiye wahaan se. Aapko wahaan nahin baithna chahiye.

She spoke fiercely nearing her. She couldn't accept the fact that some unknown person is deciding where and whom her bestfriend, Ahaan would live with. AJ, at other times would have taken an immediate action but this time he is letting her do what she wants because he knew someone's interference is needed in this case if not they would lose without even fighting for it. And that someone could be none better than Arya, as AK wouldn't be able to get a hold on her and control her as she does with others.

Judge: Koun hai aap?

Arya: Kyun jaanna chahte hai aap mere baare me? Taaki mujhe bhi mere Mummy Papa se door karde jis tarah Ahaan ko kar rahe hai?

She asked making others gasp at her. Everyone were stunned at the little girl's audacity.

Judge: Aisa to bilkul bhi nahi hai. Aap nahi batana chahti to koi baat nahi lekin itna to bata dijiye ki mujhe yahaan kyun nahi baithna chahiye aur agar mai nahi to phir aur kise baithna chahiye?

Arya: Aap isiliye nahi baithengi kyunki aap ye decide nahi kar sakti ki Ahaan ko kiske saath rehna hai. Wahaan Ahaan ko baithna chahiye! Ye to use decide karna chahiye na ki use kiske rehna hai ya kiske saath nahi. Aap to kuchh jaanti bhi nahi hai Ahaan ke baare me to phir aap ye kaise decide kar sakte hai. Aap uthiye wahaan se aur Ahaan ko baithne dijiye.

Judge: Ye baat to aapne bilkul sahi kahi hai ki Ahaan ko decide karna chahiye ki use kiske saath rehna hai. Lekin Ahaan ye kaise decide karega ki use kiske saath rehna hai?

Arya: Uske liye mai hun na. Mai help karungi uski. Lekin decision sirf Ahaan ka hoga aur aap kuchh bhi nahi kahengi. Done?

Judge: Ok, as you say!

She turned around to look for Ahaan who was busy staring at his mother.

Arya: Yahaan chup chap kyun khade ho? Tum nahi chahte kya apni Mumma ke saath rehna?

Ahaan: Mai to chahta hun. Lekin ye dekh raha hun ki Mumma mere saath rehna chahti hai ya nahi.

His melancholic voice expressed his grief. She couldn't see him suffer so much. The once lively kid whose smile never ceased was hardly smiling these days. She couldn't accept him this way. She had to change him even if it means fighting with the entire world for him, only for him.

She gave him an encouraging smile and disclosed her plan in his ears. He offered a small smile listening to her plan but immediately it dropped as he thought of it failing. He discussed it with her at which she gave an amazing backup. He agreed and then she offered him her hand for hi-fi which he gladly did.

Ahaan: Mai Mumma se aur Dadi se apne baare me kuchh sawaal karunga. Jisne sab se zyaada sahi jawaab diye, mai unke baare me decide karunga ki unke saath rahun ya nahi.

The judge contemplated but nevertheless decided to go on with what the child wants. She called both of them into the witness boxes. He looked into his mother's eyes finding any hint of emotion in them but failed to find any. It was as blank as a white paper. He knew if he would look any longer, he would just want himself to be embraced in her arms far from this world and its hardships. But he also knew that it isn't easy to make it happen. He have to struggle to achieve that as well. With this determination, their interrogation commenced.

Ahaan: My favourite food?

Mrs. Rajput: Chhole Bhature.

AK: Upma.

She knowingly answered it wrong even though she knew the correct answer. Not only that, she mentioned the most disliked food by him as even the mention of it makes him scrunch his nose in distaste.

He looked at her for a moment who was already looking at him to know how he would react knowing that she answered it wrong deliberately. He just gave her a small smile and continued.

Two can play this game, Mumma.

Ahaan: Ok next, my favorite vegetable?

Mrs. Rajput: Aalu aur Gobhi. (Potato and Cauliflower)

Guddan: Palak aur Karele. (Spinach and bitter gourd)

She said the only two vegetables disliked by him. No child likes the bitter taste of those two vegetables. Some may start having it as they grow up but as for now he disliked it with every single cell in him.

Ahaan: My favourite colour?

Mrs. Rajput: Red?

She answered being a bit unsure.

AK: Orange.

The correct answer was blue and like always she answered the most disliked colour of him. He never ever had a thing of that colour.

Ahaan: My favourite subject?

Mrs. Rajput: Maths.

AK: Mhmmm... I don't know.

Ahaan: My favourite indoor game?

Mrs. Rajput: Ludo.

AK: Carrom.

Ahaan: My favourite sport?

Mrs. Rajput: Cricket?

AK: Badminton.

He loves football. Even though she knew the answer she answered it wrong again.

Ahaan: Ok, last question. Mai sab se zyaada kisse pyaar karta hun?

Both the ladies remained silent at this question of his. Mrs. Rajput clearly knew that it was AK but she couldn't accept it and about AK it was very clear that she wouldn't acknowledge it in the court.

Ahaan: Kya hua Mumma? Aapne is sawaal ka jawaab nahi diya.

A direct question from him after these many days made her weak. She was doubting even on her ability to stand straight on her feet.

AK: I... I don't know. Whoever it is... I don't know.

Ahaan: Ok then. Except the last question, Mumma ne mere saare sawaalon ke bilkul sahi jawaab diye hai. So, its decided ki mai Mumma ke saath hi rahunga.

Mrs Rajput looked at him with a horrified expression. She knew she has answered almost the correct ones except a few she wasn't sure about it. But the rest, she was confident that it was 100% correct.

Whereas AK had a similar expression not understanding why he lied despite she answered every question wrong.

The irony.

Mrs. Rajput: Aisa ho hi nahi sakta. Maine saare sahi jawaab diye hai.

Ahaan: Dadi, aap chahe jo kahe, Mumma se zyaada achhe se mujhe koi nahi jaan sakta. Hai na Mumma? Isiliye to aapne mere saare sawaalon ke sahi jawaab diye.

AK: Ahaan... aap jhoot kyun bol rahe hai?

Ahaan: Mumma, maine kya jhoot bola hai?

AK: Ahaan, aap anjaan mat baniye. Aap achhi tarah se jaanti hun ki aap sab samajh rahe hai.

Ahaan: Nahi Mumma! Mujhe kuchh nahi samajh aa raha hai. Aap hi kyun nahi samjha dete mujhe.

AK: Ahaan, Don't test my patience!

Ahaan: Lekin maine to kuchh nahi kiya.

She was on the edge now. She can't take it anymore.

AK: You know ki maine saare galat jawaab diye hai phir bhi aap sab se keh rahe hai ki maine saare sawaal ke sahi jawaab diye hai.

Ahaan: Aap ko kaise pata chala ki aapne galat jawaab diye hai?
Isiliye na kyunki aapko saare sahi jawaab maloom hai. Matlab aapne jaan boojh kar saare galat jawaab diye Mumma?

His question caught her offguard as she realised that she has blurted out the truth. She can't keep her anger at bay which always costed her and even now did.

Judge: So, Ms. Kapoor, you intentionally lied all this time. Have you not been informed about the court rules and regulations?

She closed her eyes inhaling a deep breath. She has to end this case today itself. She can't drag this case long hurting herself and Ahaan in this process. This was the last step from her side and hopefully this could end the case.

AK: So what should I have done! I had enough of him! I had enough of everything! I can't bear him anymore. His demands, his tantrums, his mood swings, his endless wishlists,  I can't bear them anymore. I have been tolerating him enough for the past six years and not anymore. I earn for my self, for my status, for my luxuries and not to meet his endless demands. He could go and live with his grandparents or wherever and with whomever he wants but not with me.

She ended her statement with a begrudging huff. If she would have heard all these words from someone else, she would have given that person a merciless death but uttering those words out from her own mouth wanted her to poison herself.

How can she speak so low about him?

Heck, how can she even think about him in such a way?

She had no answers to her own questions.

Judge: It's a disgrace to have a mother with such mindset. And considering everything that has been taken place and all the statemnets received the judgement is very clear. So, it has been decided that.....

"Just a minute!", A voice interrupted her judgement.

"I have some evidence to prove that AK isn't doing this willingly but under pressure. Someone has forced her to do so", the person stated forwarding the evidence to the court clerk.

Only this piece of information would decide the fate of this case. Either it would help it succeed or worsen it.

===============================

3 more chapters + epilogue left to end this book. So, shower as much love as possible in the last few days of this story.