Suhanika leans into Vineet for support, breaking into tears. She’s been trying hard to control her tears for a long time but can’t hide them anymore. He embraces her in his arms, offering a comforting hug that exudes warmth and support. He gently strokes her head, assuring her that she’s not alone.

“Relax, Suhani, it’s okay! Main hoon na, tumhare sath,” he says, his tone soft and filled with empathy.

“Lekin Ana mujhe galat samajh rahi hai. Main kyun chahungi ki hamare parivar ke sath kuch galat ho, aap hi batao mujhe? Yeh ladki meri baat sunne ko taiyar nahi hai,” Suhanika parts the hug and looks at him.

“Relax, tum pehle shant ho jao, hum ghar chalte hai, phir baat karte hai,” Vineet says, cupping her face, trying to calm her.

She looks at him and finds immense concern in his eyes. She knows that she needs to tell him the truth. She needs to open up about the profound grief she’s holding in her heart. That’s the only way to heal, she realizes. She follows him outside the hospital, and soon, they are on their way to her home.

There’s a silence lingering between them. Vineet, having many questions, glances at her hopefully, while she tries to find the right words. She knows he won’t be satisfied until she tells him the truth. It’s been a few hours, but Suhanika has learned that Vineet and Ruhana are not easy to please; they prefer taking steps one by one.

Suhanika comes out of her trance when the car stops. She’s surprised to find that they’re standing in front of a restaurant, the Rainbow Cafe. She looks at Vineet, who signals her to get out of the car. She reluctantly obeys him while he joins her five minutes later, guiding her into the restaurant. She’s surprised, and he understands her hesitance.

“Ye jagah meri aur Ruhana ki favourite hai. Hum dono kabhi kabhi yahan aate hai, I am sure, tumhe bhi yahan ka khana pasand aayega,” Vineet says, his tone light yet comforting.

“Par hum yahan kyun aaye hai? Ghar chalte hai na, maine khana banaya hai,” Suhanika insists.

“Jaanta hoon, lekin maine socha ki hum dono yahan khana khaye, shayad tumhe achcha lage,” Vineet says, trying to ease the tension in the air.

“That’s so sweet of you, lekin…” She begins to speak, but Vineet interrupts again.

“Mujhe pata hai, tumne bhi subah se kuch nahi khaya hai, aur tum apni behen ki fikar mat karo, Ruhana hai na uske sath, vo usey achche se khana khilayegi, zaroorat padi toh daant bhi laga degi, tumhe pata nahi hai, tumhari ye dost zidd pe aa jaye toh bahut khatarnaak ho jaati hai,” Vineet says, trying to throw in a joke to calm Suhanika.

“Arre, aisa nahi hai, aap kuch bhi mat bolo, vo daant-ti hain lekin galat baat pe,” Suhanika says, her tone light and her eyes holding innocence.

“Ye lo, mujhe laga tum mera sath dogi, lekin tum bhi Ruhana ki team mein ho, not fair,” he says, his tone filled with mock annoyance, causing her to giggle.

“Haha, mujhe nahi pata tha aap bhi aise drama kar sakte ho,” she says, her lips curving into a smile.

“Agar isse tumhare chehre par smile aati hai, toh I can be the clown, no problem,” he says, his words impacting her deeply.

She just smiles. Meanwhile, their order is served, and the two have their scrumptious meal with light chit-chat. Vineet reassures her by keeping her mood light. It might ease the pain she’s holding, and she might tell him the truth easily. As they indulge in the meal, Vineet notices a small smile tugging at her lips, knowing that he’s won her over and his plan is successful. However, he doesn’t want to hurt her and therefore needs to choose his words wisely.

*****
On the other hand, at Ruhana’s home, Anamika is sitting at the dining table while Ruhana is serving food to her. In no time, she has cooked a scrumptious, light meal for her guest. There’s jeera rice, daal, and mixed vegetables, and Anamika has a smile on her face. After what seems like an eternity, she’s staring at the delicious food in front of her. Ruhana directs her to have a chapati too, only then she can have rice. Initially making a face, Anamika agrees and begins to eat her food like an obedient kid. Both of them indulge in their meal, and that’s when Anamika looks at her.

“This is delicious, Di, aise lag raha hai ki na jaane kitne dinon ke baad achcha khana kha rahi hun,” Anamika says, her tone filled with appreciation.

“Aw, thanks, lekin tujhe achcha khana ghar pe bhi milta hai, par tu khaati hi nahi,” Ruhana gazes at her, reminding her of the efforts Suhanika puts in for her.

“Di, please, mujhe uss baare mein koi baat nahi karni hai, aur jinhone pehle mere baare mein nahi socha, wo ab kyun sochengi? Unko toh lagta hai jo hua usme unki koi galti nahi hai,” Anamika says, her tone turning sharp.

“Ana, tu galat samajh rahi hai, uss baat ko 5 saal ho gaye hai, aur tu abhi tak wahin atki hui hai, wo sab natural tha, usme Suhani ki koi galati nahi hai,” Ruhana says, her tone carrying urgency.

“Unhi ki galati hai, Di. Agar wo zidd nahi karti toh hum usi din nahi nikalte aur fir wo accident bhi nahi hota,” Anamika says, her eyes welling up with tears.

Ruhana sighs; she wants to explain something but shushes herself as Anamika begins to blame her sister for the accident and loss. She trails down memory lane.

It’s a fine day. The Khanna family—Neil and Ragini Khanna, and their daughters, Suhanika and Anamika—are at their farmhouse in Alibaug. It is a long weekend, and this little family has come here to spend time together. The bungalow is beach-facing, which makes it a cause of happiness for the two sisters.

It’s morning, and Suhanika is watching the sunrise from the balcony of her room. The soft, golden hue spreads across the sky. The cast shadow of the sun in the water illuminates the sight in front of her. A smile appears on her face, and in the meantime, Anamika hugs her from behind, greeting her for the day.

“Good morning, Didu,” Anamika greets her, her tone soft.

“Good morning, princess. All set for a beach stroll?” Suhanika asks, embracing her sister.

“Yes, let’s go! The sunrise is so beautiful; we’ll see it from the shore,” Anamika chuckles.

“Ana, why are you always so excited about going to the beach?” Suhanika asks, though she knows the answer. She wants Anamika to say it.

“Ah, Di, you know na, mujhe aapke sath extra time mil jaata hai, aur aaj hum rafting karenge. Come on, let’s go!” Anamika chuckles, her tone light.

Suhanika shakes her head, knowing her sister won’t stop now. They move out of the room only to find their parents enjoying their morning tea. The girls run to their father, who embraces them in his arms. The girls kiss his cheeks and greet him for the day. Ragini adores the scene unfolding before her. It’s the usual scene in the house; her daughters have extra affection for their father, and they always follow this gesture before hugging her. Today, Ragini decides to play along.

“Achha, saara pyar Papa ko? Mera kya?” Ragini asks, her tone playful.

“Of course, but we love you too, Mumma,” Anamika clings to her mom.

“Han, han, pata hai, kitna pyar karti ho tum dono mujhse. Saare plans toh pehle Papa ko bata deti ho. Abhi kahan chali?” Ragini asks, glancing at her daughters.

“Beach!” Anamika and Suhanika say in unison.

Neil and Ragini smile and ask them to go but be back soon, for they have to leave for home again.

“I didn’t know ki uss din Anu ne aakhiri baar mujhse pyar se baat ki. Wo din sabse kharab din tha hamari zindagi ka, aur Anu se mere rishtey ko bhi ek naya mod usi din mila,” Suhanika says as she looks at Vineet.

“Uss din ghar lautne ke baad zindagi badal jaane wali thi meri, lekin kuch aur hi ho gaya. Jis baat ke liye main ghar jana chahti thi, wo kabhi pura nahi hua, aur Anu ne bhi mujhse muh mod liya,” Suhani says, her tone filled with emotion, and her eyes teary.

“Suhanika, calm down. Kya hua tha uss din? Mujhe aaram se batao,” Vineet asks, trying to comfort her.

They are in Suhanika’s home now, and she’s been remembering her last happy memory with her sister, Anamika. Her further words leave Vineet stunned.

To Be Continued.