"Life takes you to unexpected places, LOVE brings you Home !"

WARNING : THIS IS A PURELY FICTIONAL PIECE OF WORK. PEOPLE (S) MENTIONED ARE ALL REAL, LIVING AND IDENTIFIED. I DO NOT MEAN ANY OFFENSE/HARM UPON ANYONE IN THE ENTIRE BOOK ! JUST A WORK OF FICTION TO SUIT THE SITUATION !!!!!!!

All your doubts and curiosities explained in the following chapters to come :) 

From here we go upward with joy !

Consider this chapter an Advance Birthday gift from my side to y'all  *throws confetti* 

#28K + counting ..... 

Can we get atleast 30K before we end the journey ? 

*pouts*

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"India ?" 

"Yes, baby"

"Mumma, weee going Indiaaa ?!"

"Yes, buddy. Get your Woody. It's time." 

Daada was instructing Addu to pick up his favourite toy Woody - a stuffed owl, as we made our way to the car. Hurriedly, we packed our bags and stuffed it behind the car. Myself and Addu sat behind while hubby sat in the front. With a roar, we left towards airport. 

Trees, pale blue sky and a miniature Eiffel whisked past us. As our SUV raced ahead, my eyes hooked on to the stunning landscape, struggling to keep in pace with us. Everything passed on like a blurred imagery. Nothing seemed still, no constant. Bright open sky changed it's ambience. Turned a shade of dark blue within seconds.

Clouds hurried to club together, making the view dense and dark. Tiny drops decorated our window screen like dew's sparkling in dusk. 

Just as the sky screamed thunder with a flash, my own heart ripped apart in grief. 

What did we just heard ?

Why did this news reach us ?

It just broke everything !

Our family, hope of never going back home, pledge to never turn back and to not let Armaan fall into our mess! 

"Rain Rain Go Away"

Armaan had begun his poem recitation! He hates rain and is quite obsessed with this particular poem. His teacher says he recites this poem louder than other kids. His daada looked behind to see him hug his toy, gloom written over his face. 

"Baby, we'll be in the flight soon. When we land in India, I'm sure it won't rain there. Okay buddy ?" Addu's baby eyes shone bright and he nodded with glee. "Mamma, quick. We go Indiaaa now." Glancing at my husband, we shared a pained look knowing what waited for us ahead. My mind raced towards the phone call, that shattered us and became a reason for us going back to our homeland. 

FLASHBACK

"Please tell me what happened! Your scaring me baby" cupping his cheek I asked again. My own heart thumping bad with fear. 

Hubby had received a phone call and he had it clutched it so bad that his knuckles turned white. Taking laboured breath he had disbelief hovering upon him. 

Upon asking, what he said next crushed the ground beneath me and I collapsed on the floor next to him .... 

On the other line was Appu, his voice heard after five damn years ! 

Apoorva Mehta. CEO of Dharma Productions. One of our closest pal and the right hand of Karan. He was family right from the beginning. He had a grave news for us. 

Hiroo Johar had passed away due to cardiac arrest! 

It was a silent attack somewhere between midnight. She passed away in her sleep. Last rites were done a day back and Karan and the rest of the Dharma family needed us. They're having a prayer meet for the departed soul at the old Dharma office. 

This news had shattered our being. 

He had called in after so many years to inform that we had to come back to India, urgently. We were needed. By Karan, friends and family. Hiroo maa was such a pious soul. Always kind, smiling, willing to help. A loving mother and a beautiful human. She mothered Karan so gracefully that even today her upbringing is talked about within the industry with respect.

After the demise of his father Late Yash Johar uncle, Hiroo maa was Karan's center of universe. 

She was his critic, anchor, rock, best friend and baby. They were such a sassy team. Maa was humorous just like her son. Her birthday parties were always a riot. When the three of us debuted in SOTY, she took charge of our lives. Had every single information about our existence and kept track of our well being. A mother figure indeed. 

To know that she left us forever, was more than I could take. It pained to know she couldn't see me getting married, making a career that she envisioned for me, couldn't know/see my child! She would have pampered him for sure had she known. I cursed myself for leaving her alone in her declining years. I should have cared for her, all three of us should have spent more time with her. 

I wish 

I had fainted with this sudden shock that hit us. Armaan was scared to see me in such a condition. If this is how I reacted to the news, I can only imagine how worse in a phase Karan must be going through. She was his world and with her leaving as well, my mentor had become more lonely. This "I-am-the-life-of-every-party/gathering" facade was to shoo away depression. To let others know that he ain't alone, frustrated, tired. He needed me, the three of us, his children of heart, our support and strength. 

And there's no way I can turn down the request. I had to go back with my family. To the very same motherland that gave me everything. Name, fame, wealth, respect and happiness. The country I left for a better life, away from the prying eyes of glamour lights, called me back. 

Coming back from transit, my eyes landed at us in our private jet. 

Addu was grinning like we were visiting Disney Land. He wasn't big enough to grasp such delicate and grievous threads yet. So we thought to figure out a way later to tell him the real reason for our return. He needs time and opportunity to know and understand so many relationships that once surrounded me back in India. It won't be easy but worth. 

"Baby you wanna sleep ? I'll tuck you in." Addu looked up from his kid's laptop (also something I hate to see him with) and nodded negatively at his dad. He wasn't going to calm down anytime soon. I feel Ranveer and him will bond more considering how charged up both of them are. I eyed his dadda and we both smiled knowing what we could expect.

For an hour or so, we adults had conversation about everything that happened today. Issues rotating over our head, stress that made our heads explode at times. Everything was so freaking complicated. I left India and started a life from basic scratch. No ties, no influence backing me, no support from family and friends. Yet somehow by God's grace I made it with my husband and my child. For the world we were empire owners, but inside we merely breathed. 

Armaan had no clue about the lifestyle I or his father led. Our families, the fame, influence, togetherness, he was deprived of them all. Guilt clawed us every day. Not that we never wished to turn back. We did with every breath of ours. Days when no luxurious restaurant/hotel could pleasure our taste bud like the way our mum's delicious food did. When home didn't look homely enough. With no one to share our joy and pain, rise and fall. Pain and guilt washed over us, every second of our lives. 

Today destiny threw us in such a phase where we couldn't help but go. Go back to our land, our people, our soil.

We realized Addu needs to know certain things before we reached Mumbai. We were still anxious thinking on how everyone will react to our sudden arrival. Most of all to know about Armaan. It's not going to be a cake walk at all. But we're left with no choice. "Shona, come here. Mumma and Dadda want to talk." Quickly he came and lept into our lap. Stroking his chocolate dark hair, we smiled at him. "Before we reach Mumbai, you need to know about few people, okay champ ? They are our family. They love us. They've waited too long for us to return. And they will see you for the first time so we need some information right ?"

He looked at us with confusion laced in his tiny eyes. Poor thing didn't got the real deal. "Acha Addu, remember that story mumma tells you ? Those ten best friends, big families, parties, pranks, yaad hai ?" His adorable eyes sparkled in recognition. "Yess mumma. I knoww! Tell more. Addu will hear." We couldn't resist laughing at his excitement. "So baby, we will now meet them for real. All of them I've mentioned. Your going to be my good baby, haina ? Behave nice, smile and greet elders right ?"

It was as if I've offered him a lake of chocolate and candies! Armaan wore the brightest smile ever which in turn took us by surprise. I glanced at hubby with a slight smile, knowing that this might work well with him.

"Really ? We meet Shrek, Fairy, A-U, A-dee, V-dee, Fufu, Rabbit, Nannu, Prince and Princess ???? Mumma telllll ! Addu meet them ?" My eyes formed a perfect O at his memory. He knew the entire gang by name. Uh, by his own pronunciation version of course. Honestly all this while I kept him aware about my past through these stories and characters, which were real for me but fiction for him. Soon enough they will change into a damn reality. So far he took them fine, but beyond this I cannot imagine how much a child can take in facts. 

Fact that he is part of a bigger reality. A bigger frame that involves a lot of people, other than his parents and himself. That he has every right to know about their existence and to be well pampered by them. And by no means he'll stay in dark. 

"I hope the gang takes well with their newly appointed names. As if the nicknames weren't enough" joked hubby with a mischievous smile. I laughed at how they might react to their little nephew's call. Will they be mad at us ? Will they accept Armaan ? These doubts troubled me constantly in between. Sensing my discomfort, he linked my hand in his and gently smiled. 

"We're going to be okay. They'll love him, accept us. Forgive as well. Please don't torture yourself. Sleep your stress out. I'll wake you both when we land." Those words did magic. Feeling light, I drifted to sleep.

I N D I A 

To be able to breathe the air of my land, to stand in my soil is a feeling I thought I'll never get again. 

Mumbai 

The city of my birth, my dreams and it's fulfillment. Tall scrapers and fine empires stared back at me. As if telling their story on how far they've come, how big they've gone and how vast they've conquered. The air, rusty cramped roads, traffic, sea, people, buildings, everything looked pretty much same the way I left them five years ago.

After a tiring journey, we had finally reached Mumbai by evening. Very well on time for the prayer. Appu had sent a car to fetch us. Unfortunately Addu had slept while being super thrilled to see his fictious characters for real. Even in deep slumber he kept mumbling their names! 

We shared an eye lock and sighed at the four storeyed building sprawled ahead of us. 

Dharma Productions, it read. 

Five years since I stepped into what was once an abode of mine. Where I used to spend half of my time. A place that witnessed my growth as a person and as an actor. People who caressed me in times of trouble, whispered to me positive words, fuelled my passion and made me want to dive harder. Mom used to complain how badly Dharma-ites spoiled my sorry ass. She was right though, I smiled. 

Sharing an understanding look, we took silent steps towards the building. Carrying a still sleeping Addu in his arms, babe walked ahead of me while I took my steps with a thumping heart. A black flag fluttered on the entry gate by the evening breeze that welcomed us. Then it stabbed me the circumstance unto which we came back! It was like a twisted reality pricking us. 

Shit

This was happening for real. 

We're back in Mumbai, at Dharma, our den ! How unbelievable this feels. 

As we entered inside the glass building, in the reception hall, a strong scent washed over my senses. At first I thought I'm thinking too hard about everything, maybe therefore. But then it hit me that it's a familiar scent. That once used to embrace me. A feeling I forever got in this office. The scent that felt home. 

But today it carried few other fragrances as well. My nose whiffed subtle yet powerful fragrance of incense sticks. It's aroma spread through my system like a wildfire and I knew what message it carried. Indication that a soul had departed. To meet with it's maker, beyond this world to another realm where there's no pain, no suffering. 

Taking a huge sigh, I closed my eyes for a moment. And then I heard an even more familiar voice. 

"Sidharth ?!"

"Alia ?" 

I knew who it was. 

My eyes flew open to register a face we've not seen since so long! One of the very few who knew our relationship sparking up in the initial days. Who covered up our silly mistakes with class. My dearest Abhi ! Scanning his body, I looked at him for any change. NONE ! He looked exactly like he used to look when we first debuted. But there seemed a serene glow on his face which wasn't there before. 

Hmm, something's cooking. 

Our eyes met his shining one's and his visage creaked into a huge grin. We could tell his face was exhausted from everything around but the look on him when he saw us will forever be etched in my brain. The sigh of relief, delight and bliss, of having us back to the family we belonged. The family of hearts. 

He jogged to Sid's side and hugged him with his eyes closed in contentment. A wave of emotions swirled across my body and I could already predict that the day would go insanely emotional. 

"I can't believe you both are here. How damn long it has been you fool!" spoke Abhi from Sid's shoulder. 

After their long due manly hug, his eyes drifted curiously to Armaan sleeping in arms. Siddy turned back to me and I nodded with my eyes gently. All this while Abhi kept looking to and fro between us. Turning back to him, he replied "Our son Armaan."  We saw Abhi's face go into shock and then it quickly changed into a beautiful smile which made our hearts proud. He came up to me and crushed me into a giant hug. His joy radiating off him in waves.

"Aloo, you've no clue how happy I am for you both. All of us waited so long to catch a glimpse of you two an now you bring this little sunshine as well! Thank you yaar. Karan will be so happy to receive you both especially this prince! Go one, they're all in the hall." He held my shoulder with a tight lipped smile, encouraging me to go ahead. 

Nodding at him, I took snail steps along with my family. After seeing Abhi's positive reaction, we felt relieved. Like a huge burden has been taken away from our shoulders. Soon we crossed the reception corridor which was eerily vacant and silent in contrast to it's high buzz on any other day. The lift brought us to the second floor and we passed by another corridor which Karan proudly named 'The Memory Wall.' Basically a stark white wall structure with an array of personal-professional pictures hung on it with immense love.

My breath and eyes stopped at a particular portrait staring at us. 

Stopping in our tracks, eyes soaked in the beautiful frame that laid in front of us. Maa with her laadla son ! This candid moment was clicked by VD years back at a wedding function of our colleague. The memory stood livid in my mind as if it was yesterday. I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder in a firm yet assuring grip. Sid gazed at me with tender eyes and together we looked back at the humongous frame.

"Maa, we came! I know you missed us badly, so did we. We know we're late but it's unfair na that you left us ?" Sid's voice trembled as he tried to mask his sentiments. "Sorry maa! Please come back na. We miss you! See, you're a granny now! This is Armaan, our baby. You would have crowned him a King if you were here with us." It was terribly hard to contain the flood. 

A lone tear escaped from my eyes and so did from Sid's. 

"Sid, Alia, come inside," quickly wiping our tears, we turned aside to see Apoorva observing us with sad eyes. He analyzed the situation and smiled at Addu, peacefully sleeping, unknown to the mayhem that had begun. He encouraged us to enter the hall. Removing our shoes in the rack, we took a huge breath and entered the hall with heart beating wild. 

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NOTE : Sorry for two reasons : 

A) For making you leave at an anticipated cliff  *winks*

B) For making poor Hiroo maa leave ! :(     *folds hand* 

She did nothing wrong to be wiped out from my book ugh! I fold my hands already in advance to any offended party whose reading or might read. Just pray that Dharma doesn't sees this LMAO ! To suit the narrative and for a solid reason to pull the lovebirds back to their home, we needed this. 

And I wasn't going to design this chapter in Parts but was initially deciding to go along real loooooong-ish chapters from now on! But then after drafting this chapter halfway, I realized that maybe I described way too much on the parts that didn't needed much attention and the main portion was yet to come which in fact needed more detailing. Overall making it a bit too lengthy than required and I'm also scared to try a larger word limit (highest being 3k words) without knowing the limit boundary of Wattpad clearly. 

The least I want it to be restricted from letting my words flow :) Hence you get this and maybe the other chapters in parts as well cause they all are too lengthy to fit in one! Khush ? I know you areeeee  *teeth show* 

And how happy are y'all to get back your Siddy ?????  

Well he's back as a yummy hubby and daddy  *gulps air*  

*some of you had already guessed in the prev chap thou! smart kids* 

I deliberately troubled and tricked you guys into believing that Alia didn't left with Sid when in fact if you check the chapter where he leaves, the last few words narrate exactly the same! Asking how ? Go back and read kiddo ;) I tried my level best to make it look mysterious and hidden and you've no clue how thrilled I was to read your comments that none of you understood the ending cuz that's what I wanted , hahaha :D  

How many LIKES for Addu and the nicknames he has for his parent's friend circle ? 

What do you think is gonna happen in the hall, later ? Let's VOTE :)

- SidLia will be slapped

- Karan will make them leave

- Gang will refuse to accept them 

- Everyone getting emotional

- All of the Above 

And how many of you all missed our insaneeee  G A N G !!!!????  Well I definitely missed writing them *my babies*

Wait for the next chapter with bated breath, dost ! 

Till then sending loads of love your way,

Jemi :)