Ruhana glances at Manvi. The girl is asleep, hugging her with one hand.Ruhana smears her head.

The girl always reminds her of her past, for, she is a replica of her father, who never accepted her. They have prayed for her, but when she was born, her father abandoned her. Ruhana sighs deeply, the man whom she loved dearly, never looked back at her. Seems like his love faded after Manvi was born.

*Flashback Begins*

It's a fine day, Vineet is happy for the fact that Ruhana has conceived. They are going to have a baby and he's busy arguing with his lady love, that they will birth a daughter, for he wants one.

"Tum antaryami ho kya jo tumhe pata hai ki beti hi hogi??" ruhana glances at her husband.

"Mujhe toh beti hi chahiye. Bilkul tumhare jaisi." Vineet looks at her.

"Mere jaisi toh na milegi." Ruhana comments making a face.

"What do you mean?" Vineet glares at her.

"Arey! Aankhein kyun dikhate ho! Sahi toh bol rahi hoon main." Ruhana shrugs her shoulders.

"isme sahi kya hai?" Vineet asks.

"Tum khud socho. Tumhe handle karne vaale log - - I mean main aur Meri beti!! Ek jaise kaise ho sakte hain? We are unique! Kyunki humko antique piece handle karna padta hai!! I mean hamari beti ko karna padega." Ruhana says while pulling his cheeks.

Vineet looks at her grumpily. He knows she's joking with him. She laughs at his expressions, and kisses his cheek.

"I love you, Vineet! You should know your wife and daughter will be different yet the same." Ruhana says.

"I know. Still, I want a daughter. At least, wo toh meri sunegi. Tum toh sunti nahi ho." Vineet makes a face.

"Haan Haan! Fir dono baap beti mujhe sataoge." Ruhana eyes him.

"Oh yes! That's our right." Vineet winks at her naughtily.

Ruhana can't help but smile at his words. She hugs him, placing her head on his chest. They have prayed for a long time for this happiness. Now, they are expecting a baby. They are certainly happy.

*Flashback Ends*

A teardrop trails down Ruhana's cheeks, as she looks at her daughter. Manvi is soundly asleep.

"Kash Vineet!! Kash ki tumne mujhe samjha hota. Apni beti ko samjha hota. Tumne toh usey dekha hi nahi." she says tearily.

"We prayed so much for her. Aur jab vo hamari goad mein aayi, toh tumne usey thukra diya. Itne kharab kaise hogaye tum! Tum toh aise nahi they." she says to herself.

Yeah! She misses him. After all, she loved him. Manvi is the only person who binds them together. She's their part, their daughter. Ruhana can't deny the fact that sometimes, Manvi reminds her of Vineet. She's adamant just like her dad. Though she hasn't seen him, and never asks about him, but Ruhana feels that Manvi goes through the void of not having her dad beside her. Ruhana wipes her tears. She has to stay strong for herself and her daughter.

Eighteen years have passed by the incident when she left Vineet. Yet, he lingers in her memories. The bond of love isn't that weak from her side. Meanwhile, Manvi turns in her sleep. Ruhana lies on the bed and smears her daughter's head. Manvi snuggles close to Ruhana and sleeps, while sleep embraces Ruhana as well.

*****

Dhawan House

Vineet is sitting in his room. He's thoughtful. Sameer's words have left him in awe. He knows he's mistaken. He has ruined his own happiness. He trails down the memory lane.

*Flashback Begins*

It's Ruhana's sixth month of pregnancy. She's at home and is annoyed at her husband. Vineet arrives back home and hugs her but she jerks his hands. Vineet is surprised.

"What? Gussa kyun ho?" He asks.

"Tumse gussa hoon. You were saying hum bahar jayenge aaj. Lekin tum ab aa rahe ho!!" she glares at him.

"Kaam Tha na!" he reasons.

"Kaam mujhse bhi important hai? Ek toh tum mujhe kahin jaane nahi dete, aur na khud leke jaate ho. This is unfair." Ruhana stamps her foot on the floor.

"Ruu! Abhi tumhe rest karna chahiye na!" He says, concerned about her health.

Though she is just pregnant, he doesn't want to compromise her health. He wants her to be safe and sound until their child is born. But, today she is angry at him. He knows, these are her mood swings and he has to tackle it calmly.

"Okay shant! Aaj raat ko hum beach pe jayenge." He says looking at her.

"Sach mein? I mean tum fir se koi bahana toh nahi banaoge na?" Ruhana looks at him.

He smiles and cups her face, telling her that he means his words. He won't back off. She looks at him, not believing yet. He kisses her head softly and says that he'll never leave her side. Ruhana ends up hugging him.

*Flashback Ends*

Vineet comes outta trance and finds himself hugging a cushion. He is guilty that he could not keep his words he said to Ruhana. He hasn't seen her since years yet he knows about her through sameer. Ruhana certainly is in a better condition than him.

He sighs deeply as his eyes fall on Ruhana's picture. He wants to apologise, but it's too late,it seems. His trance is broken as he receives a call and he is surprised to hear the caller - - unable to respond.

*****
Next Morning, Ruhana wakes up with the ring on her phone. It's sameer, who's calling her. She picks. Up the call and moves out of the room letting her duaghter sleep.

"What?? Are you serious?" Ruhana asks over the phone.

"That's Great. This is a great opportunity. I'll take Mannu with me." Ruhana says.

"Yeah okay! Let's see what we can do. Thanks for the information." she says and disconnects the call.

She smiles to herself and turns to move towards her room to check on her daughter. She's happy for some reason.

To Be Continued.

Why is Vineet Surprised? And why is Ruhana happy?

Are they somewhat related?

Stay tuned.