Heylo my darlings,
I am back with the update. First of all thanks to the overwhelming response for the previous chapter. It truely made my day... I wanted to update quickly but this is getting a bit serious chapter before actually turning to the main story.
Hope you like this part !

******

It was raining the devil and pitchforks outside : A heavy down pour much similar to Mira's state of mind.

All that poor soul could do was to let her emotions flow through her tears.

So many questions, doubts, fears and frustration suffocated her to the core. Yet she was not ready to back out from the truth or hurt anyone by letting them know that she is on her way to find it. So she suppressed her pain within herself for her dear ones.

At the moment, She didn't had anyone to share her worries. Neither her parents nor this couple in-front of her. By now, she was sure that the "Truth" is so expensive and it might cost the happiness of her small family. She couldn't afford to ruin the contentment for anyone. Not even for someone whom she vowed to be with in every lifetimes.

After a much needed breakdown, she started to put the points one by one to analyse the situation. If she was really the Vaishnavi in Seetha's life, it was sure that she have gone through so much pain. And she was the reason for ruining the family's happiness. It was Anand and her who have ruined his happy family. The worst part was she wasn't sure whether this was right or wrong. Just with the names she couldn't be so sure.

She felt helplessness for not remembering any of those moments.

She only had the broken memories of her life with him. Her Anand !

She didn't even remember anyone else. The probability of both Anand, being the same person was 50-50. From whatever she had heard from Seetha aunty, her Son had messed up everything right from the start. But what was that biggest reason that caused his wife to take this drastic step. In her story, she know it was the presence of a girl, who happened to be his ex fiance. Anand also had Vasundhara in his life. But she have sacrificed her life for his love. So it cannot be her. Then what was it? She was clueless !!

She was confused even more. But she knew, this confusions shouldn't last long as she was running short of time. Especially when her husband Anand has spotted her again in the city, she needed to act fast. She had to find the reason that paved way for their seperation. And... that caused their baby's untimely demise.

The very single thought tormented her heart. That poor little soul dint deserve it. For the first time ever, she felt anguish. Her sufferings needed to get justice.

Another thought hit her hard at the same time. If Seetha Aunt's Kanna is her husband, then as per her, he is devastated. According to her, He loves her immensely that he left his own family for her. Here, Her Anand is not an exemption. She know the love, intensity and the agony in his eyes that strongly grips her heart whenever they met. What if Anand is trapped? What if it was all a misunderstanding? She remembered how her Aaryan Jeeju and Abhi went to meet him at Chennai and got to know that he was going to get married to another girl. What was that then? Again, Here is Seetha and Venkatesh. Their attitude towards her puzzled her.

But Mira wasn't someone who was ready to backout. She was determined to pull out the truth. By keeping her family safe and away from any sort of pain and discomfort.

****

Savitri's state wasn't different. The name of Seetha's daughter in law was indeed a shock for her. Right from the time she came to know about Anand, she started feeling some different kind of vibe. She started to rethink about Vaishu's husband. His feelings and his state of mind.

And now with the new revelation, it strengthened her doubts adding it to her guilt. She was being a selfish mother when it came to Miru. She wasn't ready to keep her away from them. Definitely not to someone who hurted her. But as time progressed, she started to regret it with Mira started getting dreams of her past. And then with His return, she was sure that something was missing in the puzzle about which they are completely unaware.

She came out of her thoughts when Prabhakar tapped her shoulder.
"Savi... Happy bday once again darling". He cooed at her cheeks and received a faint smile from the birthday girl.

He held her chin and raised his eyebrows in confusion.
"What happened? Aren't you happy?"

Savitri nodded in No.
"I am happy Prabha. In fact this has been the happiest day in my life after so long. With my loved ones around. Thanks Prabha... I am indebted to You. I can't thank God enough for giving me back my family. You, Miru and everyone else made my day. I love you all so much. I still dont know what good did I do to deserve all this love..." She hugged him and Prabhakar smiled at this silly lady in front of him.

"Arey Arey...I thought of spending some lovey dovey moments with my wife and here she is being too emotional. I know you love us. It is us who is blessed to have you in our life. You are the bestest wife anyone could ask for. And the bestest mother. Do u doubt on that?" He tapped her nose.

Savi held his hands and asked in confusion. "Am I a good mother Prabha?"

He was taken a back for a second by the seriousness in her voice. "Yes you are my dear. Why?"

"Prabha I need to tell you something really serious. Listen to me carefully. I need your support in this." She held his hands and made him sit on their bed.

Savithri narrated the whole story that Seetha have told her, which made Prabhakar emotional. She, as a mother and wife had suffered enough in between her husband and Son. Both were right and wrong at the same time from their side. And she had been trapped not knowing which side to join.

"I dont know how to console her Prabha. You know how much I love her. I never knew that she was going through so much in her life just like us. We were so busy in building our life that I forgot to keep in touch with her when she needed me the most. When things were going wrong we dint know life was playing hard game on both ends. Not even once, I thought of contacting her. If I did that, things would have been different I guess." She said which confused him.

"I dint get you. Why do you think it would have been different?" He was confused.

"I have a reason. Its not only Seetha and Venky who is suffering but their son too. Anand is in a devastated situation since his wife left him. He is like my son too right. And he is under so much stress and pain in her absence. As Seetha said, he loved her immensely that he even left his family for being with her. For protecting her honour and caring her all through life. Yet something went wrong somewhere. See doesn't know the reason behind the rift. But knows only one thing that he still waits for her return. And loves her like anything." She stopped and a lone tear escaped from her eyes.

Prabhakar was clueless as he dint get what it has to do with them. She understood that He was still clueless about the point she meant to say. And plainly asked him.

"Do you know what was her name?" As expected, his answer was No !

"Vaishnavi !!! " Prabhakar was fluttered.

"What??" He could only whisper.

"Yes. Vaishnavi. Her Vaishu." She couldn't complete the sentence as it was too much emotional for her to utter that name. And it was the same state for Prabhakar also. He had tears in his eyes. After a while, the couple composed themselves.

"We have to find if she is our Miru." Prabhakar said and Savi nodded in agreement.

"Yes Prabha. I was selfish for my daughter. I believed the letter and only the letter. I wasn't ready to leave her for anyone. Still,I am too selfish for her. I wont allow anyone to hurt her even with a look. But she deserves to know the truth. If it offers her a good future with the love of her life. If Anand is her husband, then we need to know what went wrong between them."

"Right. We need to know the truth. With whatever Seetha told, I dont think he would have cheated her if he is really her husband. May be a misunderstanding or at the worst it could be someone's betrayal. Or else it might be the situations. Our daughter deserves a good life. But If he is found to be guilty, I am not going to allow him anywhere near my daughter's shadow. Else, i will happily give him her." Prabha was being a protective father.

"I am with you. Her happiness is our utmost concern. She might hate us for hiding the truth from her all this while. And my daughter will break down. I dont want to see that Yet I have no other options. I hope she will understand us and forgive. " Savitri was on the verge of tears but she composed herself and continued. "But one thing confuse me Prabha. Why is Anna and Seetha is behaving normal in front of Mira? If she was the one they seek for, then they would have at least reacted right. What if She isn't their Vaishu?"

"You have a valid point. May be they are confused about our bonding with her. They aren't expecting their Vaishu here right. And they dont know the truth also. None from outside would say she that isn't our daughter." Savitri quickly placed her hands on his lips and nodded in No.

"Please.. dont say that ! It hurts like hell. Each time someone tells that she isn't ours, it feels like stabbing my heart. No matter who ever comes in or whatever happens, She is our daughter. Be it as Mira or Vaishnavi, she is mine. Ours !! Its just that I haven't given birth to her or Haven't seen her growing up. But the bond she share with me and the love between us is something which nothing and none can explain. Can you say that she isn't your daughter?" Savitri was breaking down in fear and helplessness.

Prabhakar pulled her in for a tight hug. He couldn't help but cry for her words. It hurt him too to even mention the truth. Carefully he wiped her tears and consoled.

"I am sorry Savi. I didn't mean that. She is and always will be our daughter. Even If this Anand isn't her husband, we will try to find her past . And will fix things in her life. I am sure, she won't leave us or hate us for anything. Love will always win at the end. Have faith in God almighty. He will definitely be with those who trusts him. About Seetha and Venky, we will find about it too. Now dont worry about all this. This day is too beautiful to end it with your precious tears. Smile.. my queen. We have so many important things to do in our life rather than being emotional and shedding tears". He pecked her forehead and she smiled in return. This time genuinely.

****

Venky was already in bed thinking about his happy days with Vaishu. She was completely a different person than Mira. It made him confused and weakened his doubts of her, being their daughter in law. And the bond she share with each and every family member of Shetty is so deep that he dont see any possibility of doubting her. He turned around with the sound of door closing.

Seetha was gloomy reminiscing her past. She quietly came and sat near him. Venky smelled something wrong with her. And he very well knew the reason too. This day ! Every year it was a great celebration at their home. It was the very same day he held his champ for the first time in his life. He had so many dreams about him and his son was such a darling who fulfilled his Appa's every wish. Except the most important thing in his life. It completely ruined Venky's life. None can blame hi for that either. .

He loved Vaishnavi too. Like his own daughter. He was completely blown over by her naive yet mature character. She was an angel in disguise. If only he met her at first before Vasundhara. Things would have been different. For them, situation were not favourable and everything went out of their hands and mishaps occured. He lost everyone. And the helplessness made him change into a totally different person. Even after 5 years, he still couldn't come in terms with whatever happened. And to hide his vulnerability, he became a harsh man  in front of the whole world.

A tear that escaped from Seetha's eyes caught his attention. Involuntarily his hands wiped those tears away and Seetha looked at him surprised. He understood her plight and held her shoulders pulling her close to him.

"I know the reason behind this tears. See, I can never forget this day also. And tbh, I miss him ! I miss my champ. But I know we can't change things. I can't just forgive him like that too. Especially when I know that he hurt her also. What did she do to suffer pain given by him. She was a naive girl." Venky was emotional and Sita stared him blankly.

"Don't forget why we are here. I was thinking about Vaishu only. How can she be her? You have seen the bonding between all of them. How can you even think that she is our Vaishu. This is getting more and more complicated. We need to be more careful and fast as have only few days left. Before going from here, we need to find the truth. At least clarify who is this Mira. And how is she connected to our Vaishu.I don't think Meera is Vaishu as she is very different from our girl. It's just the looks and not the character." He reminded her.

"Hmm. I agree with you Venky. Miru is very much close to her family. Yet, I feel connected to her. The vibes she was giving me much similar to Vaishu's. So, I believe there is something hidden from us. I believe her to be my Vaishu. And Kanna... He is also in the town. We need to find why. What if he is also behind Mira misinterpreting her as Vaishu? Hopefully we find out the truth real soon. Also I forgot to tell you one thing. I shared our story with Savitri. She looked horrified at the mention of her name. I noticed it that she quickly hid it in a forced smile. I don't know whether I am imagining things. But then again I am her bestie. I know her more than herself. I'm sure she'll not hide anything from me for so long and that we will find the truth as you said." Seetha was sure.

******

The next morning, they all were set to find out the truth which they seeked.

Mira dint know when had fallen asleep. She woke up as the sound of alarm hit her ears. Cursing herself, she freshened up and went downstairs to find her Appa and Venky uncle discussing some news. Her Amma in the Kitchen and Seetha Aunty inside the Pooja room. Involuntarily, she went near the pooja room to find her offering pooja and chanting some prayers. She dint know when she began doing the same and this surprised Savitri who came to call Seetha for breakfast. She never recited those prayers when they were together. She hid behind hoping to see the interaction between the duo.

And a few moments later, Seetha finished her prayer only to find Miru standing behind her with her eyes closed. Just like how vaishu used to do. She smiled lightly and took some kumkum from the pooja plate and applied on her forehead below her bindi. Miru opened her eyes and saw Seetha looking at her with all her love.

It was a moment of bliss for both of them. Words would have destroyed the beauty of the moment. Neither of them couldn't find any words to break the soothing silence. Seetha took a jasmine strand that was offered to bhagvan and gave to her which she smilingly took from her and placed on her hair.

The mother in her couldn't resist, it involuntarily overpowered her mind and she placed a kiss on Mira's forehead. Miru for the first time felt a different kind of vibe from her Seetha aunty and her eyes welled up. They shared a Dejavu moment which was broken by Prabhakar's voice ashe called out Miru's name. They came out of the trance and went to the drawing room and Savi followed them with tearful eyes witnessing the mother-daughter moment.

***

The breakfast was a happy time for them with the husbands teasing their wives with their old memories that entertained Mira. she was happy to hear old stories of her parents and Uncle-aunty. They spent a whole lot time recollecting the memories. But Savitri was quiet unlike her usual self. She tried her maximum to be cheerful and decided to let Miru and Seetha to spent time together handing over the responsibility of making lunch. For knowing truth, this was the only way she had. Leave them alone and observe.

Seetha was happy to spend time with Mira as it was an opportunity to know her better. Savitri was down with headache with the hectic celebrations. So she offered to make lunch and Mira wanted to help her. They were happily cooking Savi's favourite tamil dishes. The best friends used to exchange their food when they were in college.

Seetha taught her how to prepare her signature dishes and also gave few secret tips to add more taste to those. While getting a chance, she asked her "Aprom course mudinja pinnadi enna plan??Inge business start panna plan ah ile directly kalyanama??" She teased.

Mira was surprised at the question. "Ille Kalyanam lam ipo ille.. Business start pannanum. en best friend oruthi irukken. Anamika. We are planning to start a label. Athuk appuram Amma Appa enna sollutho appdi. I dont wanna get married Aunty. I just wanna be with them like this. As their daughter."

That was what Seetha wanted. Her non native Tamil. She smiled and held her hands.

"Good thing Ma. I hope you get a good guy who cares for both you and your parents. By the way I like your cute tamil. Just like your Amma." She stressed on the last line and observed that Miru shivered a bit.

Miru cursed herself for speaking in Tamil. It came out in a flow. She quickly turned around facing away from her and started to fry papad in hurry. She was immersed in thoughts that she didn't notice the hot oil and put the papad directly only to burn her hands. She winced in pain.

"Ahhh Ammaa...." Seetha rushed to her side. And Savitri was was noticing them from behind was about to go to her daughter who was in pain. But stopped seeing Seetha's care for her.

"Ayyoo ennachu ma.. kayye kattu..inge" She made her sit on the nearby chair blew air to the affected area.

Miru was crying and she stood up flinching in pain. "Enge poren Ma?"

"To wash in cold water Aunty. Ahh its burning..." She told.

Seetha stopped her. "No no.. dont wash it now. it will swell. Ill get you some tooth paste. It will soothe the pain and prevent from swelling. Sit here. I will bring it."

Savitri came to her to cover herself from the situation as Seetha would catch her watching them while she goes to take the toothpaste. She consoled Miru by saying sweet nothings. Seetha came in with the paste and applied it over the burned area. She asked Savi to rest as Mira was calm by now.

After a lot of push from her, Savithri left them. Mira was also asked to rest for a while and Seetha prepared the lunch by herself. By now, she was sure Mira was her Vaishu as she did the same thing when she stayed with them during Anand's betrothal. The poor girl burned her hand then thinking about Anand and this time, she was the reason. Seetha was guilty.

The lunch was served.
As Mira couldn't eat with her hands, Seetha offered to feed her much of Savitri's distress. It was like Seetha taking her place. Yet she concealed her discomfort with a smile and Prabha understood her plight. He was very well aware about her possessive side for Mira. But this wasn't the right time to show it.and that too with Seetha. And his wife knows it well.

On the other hand, Venky knew that she did it on purpose. But he was amused with the turn of events. He is witnessing the same incident for the second time. It was Anand who was uncomfortable with the budding bond between Seetha and Vaishu then. His heart ached whenever he saw his parents getting attached to her. if only he was allowed to be happy for something he deeply wished for.

Mira was dumbfound with the affection showered by Seetha. She was being someone different today. Her heart began to beat rapidly. Was her fears and doubts becoming true? Each time Seetha fed her, she felt that she have lived the moment before. A pure Deja-Vu feeling. She could see another pair of eyes watching them through her peripheral vision.

She glanced at her mother who was struggling to hold back tears. She understood her plight. Her amma wouldn't bear anyone being close to her. Not even her doddamma. And now this would bring discomfort to her, She knew. Especially after their conversation of last day.

Somehow, she finished her food. Seetha helped her in cleaning up. "Thanks Aunty. The food was really good. Uncle is lucky to have you." She smiled at Seetha.

"No problem Ma. How is the pain?? Romba valikkutha?" She asked.

"Parva illei. Its okay."

"Miru, May I tell you something?" Seetha was a bit hesitant.

"Yes Aunty."

"I told you na. You seems to be so someone very close to me. And you reminds me of my niece as well as my daughter in law. And I..." She stammered.

"Tell aunty. why are you hesitating?She probed her to speak.

"That I would be happy .. if .. if you call me Amma instead of Aunty. Even Kanna calls your Amma as Savi Amma only." She told her in one go.

Mira smiled at her.

"You were hesitant to tell me this? I dont mind calling you as Amma. But I need to ask my Amma's permission for that. She is indeed a very possessive mother. And I like her that way. She is mine and I am hers. Let me ask her this first. If she permits, I will call you Amma.Okie? You dont worry Aunty. She is your Bestie. She will allow." Miru cleared her part and convinced her situation as well as her love for her moher in a polite way.

Seetha nodded her head in yes though her words disappointed her a bit.

She was proud to see this girl as her best friend's daughter. Savi wanted a baby boy who would be close to her. But here, she got such a sweet and matured girl who defines the word daughter. She was testing Mira. Because she wanted to know how this girl would react to her request. Vaishnavi was more than happy to call her as Amma where as Mira isn't that easy to tackle. She was way too close to her family. This is going to be tough, she understood.

The close conversation between the two wasn't unnoticed by the detective mother. She was behind these two and it really was hard for her to control her emotions when Mira said those words to Seetha. Her daughter knew her more than anyone.

It says, only mother can only understand the plight of another mother. And Yes Savitri realised Seetha's emotions from whatever she had witnessed so far. After all, she was her See... Her best friend. Even when she hide something, Savi could easily find it from her eyes.. No words were exchanged between the duo. No arguments, No clarifications. Yet everything was clear like crystal. Her Mira was her Best friend's Daughter in law. Like how they wanted before.

She didn't know whether to be happy for Seetha or sad at her own fate. She have to bring peace in Seetha's life by ruining her happiness. Leaving her daughter with Seetha somehow brought peace to her already distressed heart. But she will have to do it even if is to be done by breaking her daughter's trust. Yet she was sure about certain things. Miru will not hate them for hiding the truth about her. She will not leave them at any cost. Because her love for them overpowers her disappointment. And now, it was her turn to fight against her insecurity with the trust she have on her daughter. She was ready to do it.

***************

Thats it for today.
I know you all are sad for not including any Anand-Vaishnavi moments. But that would have be awkward in between and I promise that you will know their story real Soooooon !!
No proof reading !
Plz do let me know ur take on this chapter.

- Love Apz ;)