It's a fine day in the metro city of Mumbai. The fast-paced city is home to some people who don't run but stay in the moment and live it. One such family is the Sehgals– the well-known business group in the whole of Mumbai and India as well. The Sehgal family included three members - - - Sarah Sehgal, her husband, Vaibhav Sehgal and their bundle of joy, their daughter - - Srishti. They're happy in their life and it's been good for them.

It’s a fine evening when Vaibhav returns home and finds his daughter sitting in the hall room. She looks sullen and sad. Vaibhav rushes to her, he can’t see his daughter sad, he can’t bear it if she cries for any lame reason.

“What happened, Princess? Aaj papa ka welcome bhi nahi kiya aapne.” Vaibhav asks.

“Mumma is shad! Unhone Srishti ko danta.” Srishti replies in her babyish voice, her eyes filled with tears.

“Toh aapne mistake ki koi?” Vaibhav looks at Srishti.

“Noo! Srishti ne sirf itna pucha ki badimumma kab milne aayengi? Aur request kia ki hum unse milne jaye. Lekin mumma ne danta.” Srishti tells him and Vaibhav goes worried.

“Koi baat nahi, beta. Mumma tension mein hogi. Aap mood thik karo. Ye dekho, main kya laaya hoon aapke liye!” He exclaims and gives a chocolate bar to her.

Srishti smiles and Vaibhav asks her to finish her homework while he will talk to her mom. The girl agrees and runs into her room.

Vaibhav smiles, finally, he can talk with Sarah openly. He moves into the bedroom and finds her sitting on the bed. She’s off track and he can’t understand why it is so? He sits beside her and looks at her keenly.

“Sarah, kya hua? Tumne Srishti ko bhi danta? Kyun? Aise toh tum kabhi nahi karti. Koi tension hai?” Vaibhav asks her lovingly.

Sarah and Vaibhav have opted for a different way to bring up their child. They don’t scold her until it’s needed. They believe that explaining the mistakes or right and wrong is better than scolding the child. Today, Sarah scolded her daughter for simply no reason. At least, Vaibhav thinks so.

“Sarah, bolo! Kya hua? Itni shant kyun ho? Office mein kuch hua?” Vaibhav asks holding her hands.

Upon the warm touch of his hand, Sarah hugs him in an impulse and begins to cry, panicking Vaibhav. He pats her hair.

“Sarah, you’re crying? Kyun? Kya hua? Ruhana bhabhi ne kuch kaha hai kya? Unki baatein hi tumhe itna effect karti hai. Par wo aisa kuch bol nahi sakti jisse tumhe bura lage.” Vaibhav says, seeing her cry, he’s also worried.

“Wo baat hi nahi kar rahi.” Sarah says in her teary voice.

“Toh isme rone ki kya baat hai? Hum unke ghar chalte hai.” Vaibhav says trying to cheer her.

“Nahi, it’s not that easy, Vaibhav. Tum nahi samjhoge. Jao, fresh ho jao. Main dinner prep karti hoon.”Sarah says wiping her tears.

“Arey, hua kya hai? Thik se batao.” Vaibhav demands an answer.

“2 din se Di ne mujhse baat nahi ki, Vaibhav. Pata nahi kyun, mujhe aisa lagta hai ki kuch hua hai. Aur Didi mujhe nahi bata rahi.” Sarah keeps her point.

“Par tumse wo kuch nahi chhupati.” Vaibhav says.

“Han, lekin she is hiding something. Pichhle hafte wo aur Jiju ghar pe bhi nahi aaye kyunki Di ko fever tha. Aur is wajah se Srishti bhi upset hai.” Sarah says sadly.

“Srishti ko maine samjha diya hai. Tum batao tumhari kya baat hui bhabhi se?” Vaibhav asks, still holding her hands.

“She sounded normal, Vaibhav. Par phir bhi unki awaaz mein sadness mehsus kar sakti hoon main. Aur phir aaj jab Srishti ne complain kia unse, phir unhone phone cut kar diya.” Sarah explains the situation.

“Relax, unko kuch kaam hoga. Aaj bhai se baat hui thi meri, he was saying wo aur bhabhi ek project ko leke busy hai. Isliye shayad aisa hai. Aur tum unhe miss kar rahi ho isliye tumhe lag raha hai. It’s okay, Sarah. Kal subah hi hum wahan jayenge, bhaiya-bhabhi se milne.” Vaibhav says, trying to cheer her up.

“Sachi mein jayenge badimumma ke pas?” Little Srishti asks for confirmation standing at the door.

“Yes Princess, idhar aao.” Vaibhav looks at her.

Srishti climbs onto her dad’s lap and Sarah apologises to her for scolding her. The little girl hugs her mother and kisses her cheeks. Things seem alright as Vaibhav embraces both his girls in a hug – a much-needed one.

*****

In the same city, there’s another family — The Singhania family — Ruhana-Vineet Singhania. Singhania is a popular name in the business fraternity. Life is good for them, except for one thing that has become a cause of pain for them.

It’s a fine day in the Singhania House. The boss lady of the house is sitting in her room lost in her thoughts. A file is lying on the bed and she’s staring into nothingness.

Her husband enters the room after changing into casuals. He sighs seeing her silent and keeps his hand on her shoulders. She looks up at him.

"Vineet! Ye lo tumhari coffee." she hands him the coffee mug.

"Ruu, please itna mat socho." Vineet says, trying to convince her.

"Itni badi baat hai, kaise na sochun? Kya tum nahi sochte? Tumhe bhi bura lag raha hoga lekin uske liye main kuch kar nahi pa rahi." Ruhana says tearily.

"Hamesha meri khushi ke liye kyun sochti ho?" he asks.

"Kyunki wahi mere liye sahi hai. Hamare liye. Tum toh jaante ho na mere liye tum aur Sarah bahut mayne rakhte ho. Tum dono khush rahoge toh main khush rahungi na." Ruhana says while looking at him.

"Aur tumhara kya? Tum jaanti ho na jo tum chahti ho uske kya effects ho sakte hai? Aur jaise tum mujhe khush dekhna chahti ho, waise hi main bhi tumhe khush dekhna chahta hoon aur main tumhe nahi kho sakta. Tumhare aane se hi meri life ko ek meaning mila hai toh main sab thik kar dunga." Vineet says as he's emotional at the moment.

"Lekin ab tak hume wo khushi nahi mil payi hai jiska hume intezar hai." Ruhana says tearily.

"Agar hamari kismat mein hoga, toh hume wo khushi zaroor milegi." Vineet says pulling Ruhana in his embrace.

She cries in his embrace while he convinces her. Yes, they are talking about their child. They've been married for 8 years now, yet they've been deprived of the happiness of the child. For the initial years, they didn't want the child but it's been quite a time since they are trying, but things are going the other way around.

Ruhana is unable to conceive and for that, both Ruhana and Vineet have undergone some tests. They’ve come to know that there's an ovarian cyst which is outgrowing her uterus which is why Ruhana is unable to conceive. Yep, she's been on medication for some time, yet there's no improvement. The doctor has declared that she can’t conceive. But still, if there’s a chance, there’ll be complications and Vineet is against this. This is the reason she's upset and didn't even talk to her sister properly.

"Main kuch nahi kar pa rahi, Vineet. Jab main Srishti ko hi waqt nahi de pa rahi toh hamare baby ko kaise sambhalungi? Meri Princess mujhse naraaz hai. Aur maine Sarah se bhi thik se baat nahi ki." Ruhana says, she's feeling guilty, though there's no mistake of Sarah and her daughter.

For the last two weeks, Ruhana and Vineet have been unable to meet Sarah and her family. Though Vaibhav and Vineet are best buddies and Sarah and Ruhana are real sisters, they know each and every detail about one another. Yet, for the last two weeks, Vaibhav is unknown of their whereabouts. Last week, Ruhana has been unwell and before that they were busy. Little Srishti showed her anger to her mom’s elder sister. She loves them deeply, yet, she said it in a way that Ruhana felt she was not doing right with the girl. Ever since the girl was born, Ruhana has been meeting and playing with them. She’s not just Sarah’s daughter, but Ruhana’s too. Also, Ruhana didn’t talk to her sister properly because of her negative test reports. She didn’t want her to know it and get upset. But things have gone haywire. Vineet tries to calm her.

"It's okay, Roo. Hum log kal chalenge wahan aur Srishti bhi samajh jayegi. Wo bachi hai abhi." Vineet tries to convince her but she's crying.

He makes her sit on the bed and sits beside her. He rubs off her tears and kisses her temple. He makes her look at him.

"Ruhana, tumse behtar partner mujhe nahi mil sakti thi. Tum conceive nahi kar sakti isme tumhari koi galti nahi hai. Tumse hi meri khushi hai. Hum bacha adopt bhi toh kar sakte hai. Srishti bhi toh hai– uski badimumma aur badepapa aise hi toh nahi hai na hum.. " Vineet says.

"Mujhe kuch nahi chahiye, sach mein. Jo hoga sab acha hoga. Aur jab tak hum sath hai bhala hume kisi teesre ki kya zarurat!" he says looking at her.

"Lekin tumne kitna kuch socha hai…." she says, they've planned many things for their unborn child but it's nowhere in their life.

"Jab tum hi nahi rahogi toh wo sapne sach kaise honge, Ruu? Main jaanta hoon tum par kya beet rahi hai? Main bhi wahi feel karta hun lekin hume aage badhna hai. Aur tum kehti ho na ki pyaar na ho toh aage nai badh sakte. Please, hum koi solution nikaalenge. " he says.

Ruhana looks at Vineet and nods affirmatively. They both are going through the same situation and they choose to be their respective strengths. She hugs him resting her head on his chest while he embraces her with both his arms. They stay like that for many moments and after that Vineet takes her to have dinner.

****

Sehgal House

Sarah is laying the dinner table while Vaibhav is playing with Srishti. The girl looks at her dad.

"Papa, aap kal ka plan change toh nahi karenge na?" she asks babyishly.

"No, Princess. Papa hamesha apna promise nibhaate hai na. Kal subah breakfast ke baad hum chalenge aapki badimumma ke ghar." Vaibhav says.

"Okay, Srishti wait karegi. Lekin no canshel! Pichli baar badimumma ne bhi promise kia tha." Srishti says.

"Baby, mumma ne kya bola aapse? Aap ko pata hai na badimmaa was unwell." Sarah looks up from the kitchen.

"pal she broke the promise." Srishti says.

Sarah and Vaibhav share a glance at which he asks her to calm down and that he will handle Srishti. He makes Srishti sit on his lap.

"Betu! Ek baat batao, Mumma ne aaj aapko danta, aapko acha laga?" he asks calmly.

"Noii!" the girl responds immediately.

"phir aapne badimaa ko aisa bola, unko bhi bad feel hua hoga na? Wo toh har week Srishti se milne aati hai na? Phir aapne aisa kyun kiya? Unko fever tha na isliye nai aayi vo. Aise gussa nahi karte hai na!" Vaibhav tries to make her understand.

"Par unhone pehle kabhi aisha nahi kia.” Srishti makes a sad face.

“It’s okay, betu. Aapko pata hai, aapki mumma bhi bhool jati hai unse milna. Unko fever tha but aapki mumma nai gayi, unhone kuch kaha? Nai na! Unhone bas itna bola ki jab hum free ho tab hum jaye. Toh hum log kal jayenge, okay?” Vaibhav explains patiently while Srishti is looking at him intently.

“Aur aap wahan pe apni badi Maa ko sorry bologe. Unko bura laga hoga na isliye.” Vaibhav instructs her and she agrees.

“Okay! Srishti ish shorry(sorry).” She downs her gaze.

“It’s okay, baby. Ab hum dinner karenge.” Vaibhav says and lifts the girl in his arms.

They head to the dining table while Sarah thanks him through her eyes. He makes everything easy and Srishti agrees with him, maybe, this is what is called the love of a father and daughter.

As they sit to eat, Vaibhav begins to feed Srishti on her insistence while Sarah suddenly feels nauseatic. It’s been like this for a few days. Vaibhav’s been thinking that it is the viral effect that she had a few days ago.

“Sarah, are you okay?” He asks.

“Han, main aati hun, tum dono khana khao.” saying so, she runs into the washroom.

Some fragrances from the food made her nauseatic and she had a vomiting sensation. It’s unusual but being on the safe side, Sarah thinks to meet the doctor and get the checkup done.

Ten minutes later, she hears her daughter calling for her and she rushes out. She serves some lemon rice for herself, that’s the only thing she can eat right now and she loves it too. Later, the family of three spend some time together and Srishti falls asleep while playing with her dad. He takes her to her room and tucks her in bed.

*****
Vaibhav returns to his room and finds Sarah lost in thoughts. He keeps his hand on her shoulder and she looks at him.

“Tum thik ho na? Tumne thik se dinner bhi nahi kiya.” He asks, concerned for his wife.

“I am fine, Vaibhav. Pata nahi, khane ke fragrances hit me. I think hume doctor se consult karlena chahiye.” Sarah says.

“Thik hai, Ayesha se time lelena tum. Kal hi chalte hai uske clinic pe.” Vaibhav says mentioning Sarah’s friend.

“Han, subah hi. Srishti ko Di ke paas drop karke hum chalenge.” Sarah says and hugs him.

He makes her lie on the bed and then slid into the bed next to her. She hugs him and soonish they fell asleep.

There’s always a new hope in the new day.

*****

The next morning, Ruhana wakes up and finds Vineet still sleeping. He smiles at him and kisses his forehead. He’s the calm to her chaos. Right now, she’s a mess and he’s the one holding her close, holding all her pieces right. She’s just adoring him with love when her phone rings. It’s just 8 in the morning and she’s puzzled at the moment. She finds it to be Sarah. Meanwhile, Vineet also wakes up.

“Good morning, Di. Aap uth gaye they na?” Sarah asks.

“Good morning. Han, I was awake. Just a little lazy. Tune itni subah call kyu kiya? All good?” Ruhana asks her.

“Yes, Di. Actually, mujhe Dr Ayesha se milna hai. I just wanna get tested k mujhe viral infection nahi hai. Toh main soch rahi thi Srishti ko aapke paas chhod dun?” She says.

“Han, isme puchne ki kya baat hai? Waise toh hum bhi aane ka soch rahe they, but ab tum hi aa jao. Don’t worry, main dhyan rakhungi aur usko mana bhi lungi. Naaraz hai na mujhse.” Ruhana says.

“Di, wo naraaz nahi hai. Wo usne aise hi bola. I am sorry!” Sarah again apologises.

“It’s okay, Sarah. Uska haq hai wo kehna. Anyway, tum log aajao, I am waiting.” Ruhana says and disconnects the call.

She informs Vineet that Sarah, Vaibhav and Srishti will be coming over. Soonish, they leave the bed and he offers to make tea as she likes. She agrees and gets busy with her daily chores. They have a housemaid who does the cleaning of the house while Ruhana and Vineet have their morning tea. She’s sitting with her head on his chest.

“Ruhana, hum iss baare mein kisi se baat nahi karenge. Thik hai na?” He says.

“Bilkul nahi. Main nahi chahti Sarah ya Vaibhav pareshan ho.” she says, though she knows her sister would find it out if she feels something fishy.

“Aur iske baare mein hum baad mein sochenge. Obviously, we are not trying again. Main tumhe nahi kho sakta.” He says.

Vineet might be busy, he might vent out his anger on her or tease her by teaming up with her sister but he loves her soul-ly and deeply. And she does the same. He also wants a child but not at the cost of his wife’s life. She just hugs him before they compose themselves and go to get ready.

Around 9:30 AM, there’s a ring on the door and Vineet opens the door. Little Srishti runs inside while Vaibhav and Sarah wave at him that they’ll be back in an hour or so. He closes the door and finds Srishti looking around. He smiles.

“Kisko dhundh rahi hai meri bachi?” He asks lifting her in her arms.

“Badi Mumma! Wo kahan gayi?” She asks babyishly.

“Badi Mumma toh pata nahi kahan gayi. Unhone bataaya mujhe ki aap unse gussa ho.” Vineet says softly.

“Nai, Srishti gussa nahi hai. Kyunki kal Mumma bhi gussa ho gayi thi Srishti se.” She says.

“Arey kyun? Aane do, main uski class lunga.” He says pretending but Srishti shushes him.

“Noi! Mumma ko kuch nai bologe aap. Srishti ko waise nai bolna chahiye tha. Isliye badimumma gusha hai.” Srishti says sadly.

“Acha, toh aap gussa kyun thi?” He asks as he makes her sit on the couch.

“Kyunki aap dono mujhse milne nai aaye.” Srishti says sadly.

“Lekin abhi toh hum khel sakte hai na?” Ruhana comes out of the kitchen and asks her.

“Badi Mumma!” Srishti shouts and runs towards her to hug her.

Srishti hugs Ruhana and the latter does the same. Ruhana kisses her head and apologises to the little girl. She knows that the little one might complain or say things which seem right to her but they should be forgiving and apologising as well. Ruhana cups her face.

“I am sorry, princess. Pichle Sunday ko mujhe fever tha na isliye aapke badepapa ne aane se mana kardiya. Srishti ko bhi ho sakta tha na isliye. Par ab aaj hum bahut masti karenge.” Ruhana says lovingly.

“Itsh okay, badimumma. Srishti bhi shorry hai. Aap hamesha aate ho isliye Srishti shad thi.” She says.

“Acha ab se aisa nahi hoga. Agar main aur badepapa nai aaye toh aap Mumma aur Papa ko lekar aana, okay?” Ruhana looks at the girl who bobs her head multiple times.

“Pal meri choco?” She looks at both Ruhana and Vineet while the latter is the first one to answer.

“Milegi, lekin uske liye Srishti ko ek kaam karna padega.” Vineet looks at the little one.

“Tyu?” Little Srishti questions so.

“Aao, batata hoon.” He steps back as Srishti runs towards him.

Ruhana smiles as Vineet runs towards another room which is adjacent to their room. The little girl gets playful and runs behind him in order to get hold of her badepapa. She stumbles upon something and is surprised. There’s a packet lying on the floor with her name written on it.

“Ispe Srishti ka naam hai. Ye mera hai?” She looks at Vineet who nods his head positively.

“Haan, meri gudiya ke liye. Kholein isko?” he asks and she blinks her eyes multiple times.

She tears the packet and Vineet helps her in the same. She becomes excited to find a doll beneath the packet, too, of the same height as hers. She chuckles and laughs at the same time. She hugs Vineet and thanks him for the gift. She even asks him to click a picture. Meanwhile, Ruhana enters the room with a plate of chocolate cake. Srishti chuckles and asks her to feed her with the cake.

Ruhana and Vineet seem beyond happy to be with this little girl. The lady’s feeding her and is all smiles. Vineet is adoring the two when his phone rings. He excuses himself to talk on the phone. As he attends the call, he’s surprised to hear their doctor, Anjali’s voice. She wants to meet them but Vineet excuses that they can’t meet today. Anjali tells him that she’s coming to their home only. He agrees and then tells Ruhana about the same.

Ruhana makes Srishti busy with her colouring books and she moves outside the room only to find Anjali in the hall room. They move into the bedroom as per Anjali’s respect. She tells them that with the new test results, Ruhana is completely unable to conceive. Yep, there was a margin but not now. And even if they opt for an operation, it won’t be a good idea to conceive later on, there might be more complications.

Ruhana’s eyes get teary as she hears her friend’s words. She had a little hope but that’s crushed forever. She knows it’s a bitter truth that she won’t be able to conceive and she has to accept it. Vineet holds her hands in his to console her. Anjali also tells them that an orphanage which is tied to her hospital has a baby girl for adoption and they can go ahead with it. She then takes her to leave.

Ruhana breaks into tears as Anjali’s words echo in her ears. The latest report is lying on the bed and she’s crying inconsolably. Vineet pulls her into his embrace, though, he’s equally hurt but he needs to stay strong for her. He knows that she’s more pained because she has to hear and bear the taunts that society people throw her way. No one says anything to him but Ruhana has to hear it all. This is the reason, Vineet has left going on society functions amidst his relatives. It’s god’s grace, there’s no mistake of a man or woman, it’s natural and it happens, yet only women are blamed.

Vineet tries to console Ruhana and they are unaware that Sarah and Vaibhav have heard it all.

*****
Sarah rushes into the room where she used to live before her wedding. It is still her room as the things are intact.  She has tears in her eyes. She hugs Vaibhav and cries.

“Vaibhav, hum toh Di aur JJ ko good news dene aaye they. Lekin yahan toh…..” She leaves her sentence incomplete.

“Sarah, wo dono khush hi honge na. Dekho tum aise rone lagogi toh bhabhi ko kaise sambhalogi?” He reasons.

“Lekin unhone itni badi baat mujhe kyun nahi batayi? I knew unka kuch treatment chal raha hain lekin ye sab…..she….she is unable to conceive.” Sarah says.

“Isliye wo kal bhi sorry bol rahi thi. Unhe laga hoga hume bura lagega wo nahi aayi toh! Lekin sabse bura toh unhe laga na ki Srishti ne unhe kuch kaha.” She says still looking at her husband.

“Sarah! I understand. Lekin tum aise ro mat. Dekho hum unse baat karte hain na. Aur hamare bache bhi toh unke hi bache hai na.” Vaibhav tries to convince her.

Sarah is unable to devise what to do. Life has once again been unfair to her sister. Yep, Sarah and Vaibhav are expecting a child for the second time. Sarah has got her test done and learns that she’s pregnant. She came home to share the good news with her sister but she gets shocked that her sister cannot conceive.

Sarah rubs off her tears and decides to talk to Ruhana.

*****

A little while later, Srishti’s voice hits their eardrums — to both the couples.

Ruhana wipes her tears and rushes into the room where Srishti is playing. She looks at the girl who runs to hug her and shows her a drawing. Ruhana is left touched and teary-eyed to see the picture.

The little girl has drawn a family picture including herself and both her parents with an addon of a little girl, saying that it’s her baby sister. She looks at Ruhana and says that she wants a baby sister. The lady replies nothing but pulls Srishti in a hug. She knows, she can’t get her what her daughter desires.

Tears trickle down Ruhana’s eyes but she composes herself and parts the hug. She holds Srishti’s hands in hers while the girl repeats her demand. Meanwhile, Sarah intervenes in between.

“Baby sister ya baby brother aayega, Princess! Lekin main aapki badimumma se gussa hoon.” She says.

“Sarah, vaibhav! Tum dono kab aaye?” Ruhana notices their presence.

“Aur ye tu kya keh rahi hai?” She looks at her sister, but Sarah glares at her.

“Mujhe abhi aapse baat karni hai.” She says.

“Srishti, aap Radha Didi(Housemaid at RuVi’s home) ke sath khelo.” Sarah says and the girl agrees.

As Srishti runs out of the room, Sarah closes the door and both Vineet and Ruhana are baffled at her act.

“Kya ho gaya?” Ruhana asks, composing herself.

“Jaise ki aapko kuch nahi pata. Aap aisa kaise kar sakti ho, Di? Aur aapne mujhe kuch bataya kyun nahi?” Sarah confronts her.

“Maine kya nahi bataya?” Ruhana asks, she’s unknown that her sister and her husband have heard it all.

“Wahi jo aapko batana chahiye tha. Main kuch nahi batati toh aap mujhpe gussa karti ho lekin aapne itni badi baat nahi batayi. Main toh aapko good news dene aayi thi lekin mujhe toh shock hi mil gaya.” Sarah shouts at her sister.

Ruhana stirs at the moment. Good news? And did she hear her talk with Anjali? She looks at her sister.

“Good news? Kya hai? You’re pregnant?” Ruhana asks as she understands the gist of her earlier words.

“Ji Bhabhi, hum log Ayesha se mile usne hi hume bataya ki Sarah is three weeks pregnant. Aur….” Vaibhav says but falls silent.

“Aur?” Ruhana looks at him keenly.

“Aur humne aapki aur Dr Anjali ki saari baatein sun li. Isliye Sarah gussa hai. Bhai, aap toh humse share kar sakte they na. We could do something.” He says in a low tone.

“Di ne mana kiya hoga Jiju ko. Jo batane wali baat hai wo Di kabhi nahi batati.” Sarah glares at her sister.

“Sarah, aisa nahi hai. Main….main bas tujhe pareshan nahi karna chahti thi.” Ruhana finally speaks.

“Kyun nahi? Aur isme kaisi pareshani? Main toh aapko roz har baat kehti hun lekin aapne ye baat mujhse chhupayi? Kyun Di? Thik hai I can’t help you, lekin Srishti bhi toh aap hi ki bachi hai. Uski badimumma ho na, mujhse zyada toh wo apki baat maanti hai. How could you think k aap akele ho.” Sarah says.

“Jaanti hoon, lekin usey bhi toh ache se time nahi de pa rahi.” Ruhana says she’s still guilty.

“Di, isme aapki kya galti hai? It’s okay! Hum hamesha hai na aapke paas?” Sarah asks.

“Aur is problem ka koi solution toh hoga na?” Sarah asks.

“Dr Anjali ne toh mana kar diya hai. I cannot conceive. Main kabhi maa nahi ban sakti. Kabhi nahi! Aaj toh jo hope thi wo bhi toot gayi.” Ruhana says losing her composure.

“Toh Di aapne mujhe kyun nahi bataya?? Itne time se aap is wajah se pareshan they??” Sarah asks, her tone softened at the moment.

“Kyunki main tujhe pareshan nahi karna chahti thi. Aur phir jab main Srishti ko hi waqt nahi de pa rahi toh apne bache ko kya sambhalungi. Bura lagta hai mujhe bhi lekin kaam bhi toh zaroori hai.” Ruhana says, her eyes are teary.

“It’s okay, Roo. Maine tumse kaha hai na, jab tak hum sath mein hai, we don’t need anyone else. Hai na! Aur tum hi kehti ho na, Sarah is your first child, toh hamare pas ek nahi 2 betiyan hain, why do you forget it?” Vineet says convincing up while she smiles lightly at his words.

Indeed, Ruhana and Sarah are 5 years apart and so, the former cares for her sister like a baby. Also, as it’s said, a sister is your second mother, and so is Ruhana to Sarah. And Sarah’s daughter again makes her a mother.

“Jiju thik toh keh rahe hain. Mere aur Srishti ke hote hue bhala aapko aur kisi ki kya zaroorat? Aap please rona band karo.” Sarah says cupping her sister’s face.

Ruhana hugs her and she embraces her, well, her elder sister needs it. Sarah tries to calm her telling her that she’s always there for her. And Srishti has not one but two moms, as she always says.

“Aapko pata hai, last week Srishti ne apni teacher se kaha tha ki aap Mumma ko nahi badimumma ko phone karna toh she was puzzled. Unka mere pas phone aaya toh maine unhe samjhaya. Dekho kitni shaitan hai wo.” Sarah says and it makes Ruhana smile.

“I am fine, and I am sorry, Cookie. Tu toh good news leke aayi thi, aur maine….maine sab kharab kardiya. But it’s still time.” Ruhana says and kisses her head, congratulating her.

Sarah and Vaibhav are going to embrace parenthood again and this makes Vineet and Ruhana happy. Ruhana asks her sister to rest while she makes her way into the kitchen. It’s time to celebrate after all. Her girls love chocolate, so she begins to prepare a chocolate cake while Vineet plays with Srishti and  Radha is helping Ruhana.

*****

The day passes in a blur. Ruhana and Vineet look much more composed and better. Sarah and Vaibhav know they might pretend but it seems okay after Vineet assure them.

In these tough times, when the family is together, life becomes easier. Soonish, Sarah and Vaibhav take their leave asking Ruhana and Vineet to take care.

*****
Singhania House

Vineet locks the door and heads to his room. He finds Ruhana standing on the balcony. There's a slight smile on her face. He hugs her wrapping his hands around her waist.

“Kya soch rahi ho?” He asks.

“Vineet, aaj main khush bhi hoon aur dukhi bhi. Sarah phir se pregnant hai aur dusri taraf wo khushi humse bahut door hai.” She says and it’s genuine.

“Ruu, main samajh sakta hoon, lekin hume khush hona chahiye na. Hum ek family hi toh hai. Aur phir rishtey toh dil se banaye jaate hai na, Ruu?” He asks, making her face himself.

“Main samajhti hoon, Vineet, infact, main jaanti hoon tum kya feel kar rahe ho, bas meri wajah se tum bata nahi pa rahe ho. Main hi over-react kar rahi hoon. I am sorry!” Saying so, she hugs him.

She hides her face in his shoulder and smears his back while as a reaction, he embraces her tightly. Both of them needed this hug — a heartwarming and convincing hug. They just need to standby each other.

*****

Sarah and Vaibhav reach home and the journey has been silent throughout. Little Srishti is asleep in the backseat. As they reach home, Sarah unlocks the house and Vaibhav lifts Srishti in his arms. He makes her lie on the bed and Sarah changes her daughter’s clothes and puts her to sleep again. She closes the door of her room and moves into her own room.

Vaibhav has been observing her. He knows she’s hurt and worried for her sister. He needs to console her. He waits for her while she changes and freshens up. Around fifteen minutes later, Sarah comes out of the washroom and finds Vaibhav standing on the balcony. She walks towards him and hugs him.

It’s Sarah’s habit, when she doesn’t feel good or when she’s upset, she hugs her husband and stays like that until she feels better. Today, she’s sad for her sister. Vaibhav smears her head.

“Sarah, please itna stress mat lo. Dekho tumhare liye acha nahi hai itna stress.” He says, concerned for his wife and the unborn.

“Di kitni pareshan hai, Vaibhav, aur main kuch nahi kar sakti. Wo mujhe kuch karne bhi nahi dengi.” Sarah cries in his embrace.

“Sarah, relax! Hum bhai aur bhabhi ko adoption ke liye convince karenge.” He says.

“Lekin Di….” She looks at her husband.

“Wo bhi maanengi, Sarah. Abhi tum relax karo. Main bhai se kahunga. Aur hum aur Srishti toh hain na.” Vaibhav tries to convince her.

She nods her head positively and he takes her into the bedroom. He knows she’ll need him to sleep, so they slide into the bed and Sarah snuggles close to him.

Their new journey has just started.

*****

A few days pass by. Ruhana and Vineet have composed themselves and accepted their fate. Well, yeah, they have Srishti who holds their heart. And they have decided to go for adoption. It’s a fine day, Ruhana has taken time from Anjali and they’re going to see the child and adopt the kid. Vineet got free early and so they decided to visit the Astha Child Home.

Meanwhile, Ruhana’s phone rings. It’s Sarah who tells her that she’s feeling pain and she wants to go to the hospital. Ruhana panics and they drive towards Sarah’s home. Little Srishti is scared and Vineet comforts her while Ruhana rushes to see her sister. Though it’s her second month, yet intense pain has scared her. They head to Ayesha’s clinic and after checkup, Ayesha comforts the two sisters that Sarah is fine.

“Di, Sarah is fine. Kabhi kabhi intense pain ho jata hai. Isne medicine nahi li hogi isliye. Aap iska dhyan rakhna.” Ayesha says to Ruhana.

“Yeah, I will take care. Thanks Ayesha.” Ruhana thanks her.

They take leave from the doctor and Vineet drives towards Singhania Mansion. Sarah looks at Ruhana who’s sitting in the backseat holding her hand.

“Hum ghar kyun nahi jaa rahe?” She asks.

“Hum ghar hi jaa rahe hain.” Ruhana says.

“Ye toh aapka ….” Sarah says but Ruhana glares at her.

“Hamara ghar! Ab toh main tujhe akele nahi chhod sakti. Jab tak teri delivery nahi ho jaati, tu yahin rahegi meri aankhon ke saamne.” Ruhana says.

“Arey Di…nai, it’s okay, Vaibhav hai na!” Sarah says, she knows that Ruhana may not trust her but will trust Vaibhav.

“Han toh, lekin ab hum ek sath hi rahenge. Vaibhav se main baat kar lungi.” Ruhana says while Srishti chuckles.

“Yay, aap mujhe school lene aaogi na, badimumma?” She asks.

“Yesh baby! Ab se hum sab sath mein rahenge.” Ruhana says with a smile.

They reach home and Ruhana helps Sarah in coming out of the car. They enter the house and Sarah moves into her room. She knows Ruhana won’t hear to her. Later, Vineet and Ruhana convince Vaibhav on coming over and staying with them to which he agrees.

An hour later, Vaibhav comes home after packing all the things for his wife and daughter. Sarah and Ruhana arrange the stuff in the room. The other room is open for Srishti and for now, the girl is happy to have the freedom of sleeping with any of her parents.

After dinner, as Sarah, Vaibhav, Vineet and Srishti are playing, Ruhana glances at them. She feels as if her home is complete at the moment. Her sister is there with her and there’s nothing more that she needs.

******
Eight months pass by slowly. These months have been filled with love, laughter, giggles and some strict rules. It’s a fine day. Vaibhav and Vineet are at the office while the Srishti is away in school. Sarah and Ruhana are sitting in the hall room.

“Kya Di, aap toh itni strict pehle nahi thi.” She makes a face.

“Tu bhi toh kitni choosy ho gayi hai. Tu pregnant hai, achi diet nahi khayegi toh meri nanhi si jaan pe bhi asar padega na.” Ruhana says.

“Han, meko pata hai, aapko apni behen ki nai, chotu baby ki fikar hai. Huh, sabko uski hi fikar hai. Srishti toh roz puchti hai, chotu baby kab aayega? Aur inke papa ko mumma se zyada baby se baat karni hoti hai.” Sarah says grumpily while Ruhana laughs.

“Aisa nahi hota na! Ab tu muh banana chhod, ye kheer kha. Tujhe subah se khaani thi na.” Ruhana says and Sarah is amused.

“Aapko kaise pata chala?” She asks as she intakes the bite of kheer.

“Meri behen ko kab kya pasand hai wo mujhe toh pata hoga hi na.” Ruhana smiles and Sarah hugs her.

“Thanks, Di. I dunno, is baar bhi aapne puri help ki. Srishti ke time pe aap mere sath aake rahi thi aur is baar aise. Main aapko jitna thanks kahun kam hoga.” She says.

“Tu thanks mat bol, bas apna aur mere chotu baby ka dhyan rakh.” Ruhana says and Sarah makes a cute face nodding her head.

Ruhana smiles and asking her to watch television, she gets busy preparing food. She needs to send tiffin for her husband while Vaibhav would come home for lunch.

Life’s surely going at its best pace.

*****
Same night, after dinner, all of them retired to their rooms. Sarah is lost in thoughts when Vaibhav taps her shoulder.

“Kya hua? Kya soch rahi ho?” He asks.

“Vaibhav, maine ek faisla liya hai.” She says.

“Kaisa faisla? Itni serious kyun ho?” he asks sitting beside her.

“Vaibhav, aap ko toh pata hi hai na Di ne kitna kuch kiya mere liye Aur jiju ne bhi. Abhi bhi Di office nahi jaati, mere aur Srishti ke liye ghar mein rehti hain.” Sarah says.

“Jaanta hoon, Sarah. Ache se jaanta hoon. Unke liye hum jitna bhi kare, kam hoga.” Vaibhav says.

“Vaibhav, main chahti hun ki humara ye chotu baby hum Di aur jiju ko dedein. Isse wo hamari aankhon ke saamne bhi rahega aur usey ek nai do-do parents ka pyaar milega. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong, lekin itna toh hum kar hi sakte hai na.” Sarah says, she’s emotional and wants to do something for her sister.

“I understand, Sarah. Hum aisa kar sakte hain. Lekin tumhe lagta hai Bhabhi aur bhai maanenge?” He asks.

“Wo maanenge, Vaibhav. Aur hum alag nahi hain, we are one family.” Sarah says.

“Main samajhta hoon, Sarah. And I am with you in this. Par main ye nahi chahta ki is se wo dono hurt ho. Hum toh unke liye soch rahe hain lekin….” He says but pauses as his wife cuts him.

“They can get angry lekin maan jayenge. Aur waise bhi ab hum log sath mein rahenge. Toh isse koi tension nahi hogi.” She says.

Vaibhav stares at her for some good seconds and then embraces her in his arms. Surely, they’ve been thinking so. They can do the legal formality and adopt the child. It happens in many families and they’re not the only one doing it. They both agree on a positive note.

*****
Time passes in a blur. A few days pass after Vaibhav and Sarah decided that they’ll give their child to Ruhana and Vineet. It’s another day, Srishti is at home playing around the house. Sarah is sitting on the couch while Ruhana is running behind Srishti to make her eat breakfast.

“Srishti, please poha kha lo.” Ruhana says.

“Noo! Mujhe idlii khana hai.” Srishti says.

“Wo main lunch mein khilaungi na, betu. Abhi toh ye khalo.” She says.

“Noii, Srishti ko abhi chahiye.” the little girl says.

“Srishti, dekho badi mumma ne kaha hai na ki wo lunch mein khilayengi idli, kyun pareshan kar rahi ho?” Sarah scolds her softly.

“No, Srishti ko abhi idli chahiye.” The little girl says.

“Acha Srishti, ab aap zidd karogi toh main idli sambhar nahi dungi. Dekho Mumma ko medicine deni hai aur aap nahi khaogi toh wo pareshan ho jayengi. Aap chahte ho aisa ho?” Ruhana says softly.

“Noo…par…” Srishti says but Ruhana cups her face.

“Dekho beta, aaj badimumma ko thoda kaam hai. Please abhi ye Poha khalo. Dekho, papa ne bhi khaya tha.” She says softly.

Srishti doesn’t like the idea but agrees at the moment. Ruhana smiles and feeds her with Poha. Everyone is busy when suddenly, Sarah whines in pain. Maybe, it’s that time of delivery.

Ruhana panics but takes her sister to the hospital after calling her doctor — Dr Ayesha. She instructs Radha and Ruhi to be together. Also, she informs Vaibhav and Vineet about the same.

They head to Lifeline hospital and Sarah is taken into the labour room. Ruhana completes the formalities while their respective husbands join her for a while. Vaibhav makes his way into the OT to his wife while Vineet and Ruhana wait patiently outside the labour room.

Three hours later, Ayesha comes out of the room and informs Ruhana that Sarah has given birth to a baby girl. Ruhana’s happiness has no bounds. She asks Ayesha if she could meet her and Ayesha permits her the same in a while.

Half an hour later, Sarah is shifted into a new room and Ruhana and Vineet move to meet her. Ruhana kisses Sarah’s head softly and then looks at the baby girl who’s sleeping in her crib. Ruhana lifts the baby in her arms and kisses her head. Her eyes turn teary in an instant.

“Iska naam maine socha hua hai.” Sarah says while looking at her sister.

“Acha, is baar pehle se hi soch liya? Batao.” Ruhana says and makes the baby sleep in the crib and looks at her sister.

“Suhana. Hai na pyara naam?” Sarah asks.

“Bahut pyara hai. Lekin Suhana hi kyun?” Ruhana asks.

“Aap ki laadli hai na toh Suhana suit karega. Suhana Singhania.” Ruhana is astonished at the moment.

“Tu ye kya keh rahi hai? Mujhe kuch samajh nahi aa raha.” Ruhana asks though she knows what her sister means.

“Wahi jo aap samajh rahi ho. Srishti bhi aapki hi baat maanti hai toh uski behen bhi toh aapki hi baat maanegi na. Aur phir isme aap bhi ho aur main bhi.”Sarah smiles weakly.

“ Par agar wo aapko badimumma- badepapa ki jagah Mumma papa bulaye toh aur acha hoga na?” Vaibhav smiles as they enter the room.

“Lekin iski zaroorat kya hai?” Ruhana asks, she’s overwhelmed with her sister’s decision.

“Zaroorat toh hai, Di. Aap badi ho toh aap hi sambhalo dono behnon ko. Aur isme kuch khas nahi kiya maine. Maine wahi kia jo mujhe karna chahiye.” Sarah smiles.

“Hum sab ek family hain na? Toh isme aapko koi problem nahi hona chahiye.” Vaibhav says with a smile.

“Han, lekin ek shart meri bhi hai isme?” Vineet breaks his silence.

“JJ, ab kya shart? Aapne aur Di ne jo kiya mere liye, uske aage this is nothing.” Sarah makes a face.

“Main jaanta hoon, Sarah. Main bas itna keh raha tha ki ab hum log sath mein hi rahenge. Tum log apne ghar ko rent pe de sakte ho ya we can keep it. Ab Suhana ko uske dono parents ke sath rehna chahiye na?” Vineet says.

“Ji Bhai, I agree. Ab yahan pe rehne ke baad main toh nahi jaunga wahan. We can shift here fully.” Vaibhav says.

A smile lights up Ruhana’s face. Meanwhile, the doctor comes to do Sarah’s checkup and she says that they can take her home in the evening. Vaibhav makes the payment and later the two buddies make the papers for adoption. They’ll be finally adopting Suhana and they’ll make a cute family of 6 members.

Sarah also asks Ruhana to head home and that she will come home with Vaibhav. Ruhana agrees and leaves with Vineet to make arrangements of her welcome.

*****
Little Srishti is excited to know that she will soon have her baby sister near her. Ruhana decorates the house with pink and silver balloons. Also, makes the dinner arrangements.

Later, Sarah and Vaibhav arrive home with baby Suhana. Ruhana welcomes them and makes Sarah settle in the room. She asks her sister to freshen up and give feed to Suhana. Little Srishti is sitting near Sarah when her mom asks her to have food. The girl makes a face but agrees, she knows her sister needs to have some food too.

Ruhana is happy as she watches her four precious people have dinner while she holds little Suhana in her arms. She’s blessed surely to have people who think a lot about her and love her.

Meanwhile, Sarah taps her head and they set to click a  photograph. Radha offers to click a picture.

They’re indeed a happy family.

****THE END****

SaranyaaaCh❤️I hope you like this. I love yaa❤️

And to everyone who reads this ❤️ Thankyou.