Sanyukta(hugging him tightly): And Randhir.....I won't Let Go Ever again

Randhir(hugging her and smiling): I won't ever Let Go too Sanyukta!!!!

After resolving their issues, Sanyukta and Randhir were having breakfast together like old times and talking to each other.....

Randhir: By the way Chashmish you are such a hard nut to crack. I have done all this in daily soaps but yesterday you literally made me that cliché hero who can do anything for his lady love.

Sanyukta: Your deeds made you do that not me and anyways if it was so much cliché then that was your problem.....you should have come up with something original no...

Randhir: Like what?

Sanyukta: Like you could have written a sweet apology letter to me....I would have agreed.

Randhir: Seriously? You mean to say that I stood in the rain injured for something which could have been done through a simple letter? And above all you call it original? There's nothing more clichéd than writing a letter....

Sanyukta: Please haan....writing your feelings is the best way to express them.

Randhir: Really?

Sanyukta: Yup....you should try it. Even when there is no one to listen to you.....a diary or a journal will help you vent out your feelings....

Randhir: Whatever Chashmish......I have so many people to talk to and express my feelings and I like it that way you know.....I mean my parents are there, "you" are there......and I have plenty of friends whom I can talk to......then why write my feelings?

Sanyukta(handing him a diary): Its true that we all are there for you but sometimes there are things which you don't wish to or are unable to share with anybody. This diary will come handy at that time. Keep it!!

Randhir(taking the diary): If you say so.....I will keep it.

They were talking when Randhir's phone rang.....It was his director.

Phone Conversation

Randhir: Hello .....Good Morning sir!

Director: Where the hell are you Randhir? Your call time was of 9:30 AM and it's already 11 AM. The whole team is waiting for you.

Randhir: What? But I didn't see the call time sir.

Director(angrily): That's your problem Randhir.....Saloni texted you the call time yesterday.....check your phone first and then talk. I don't like any sort of unprofessional behavior on my show.....now you better get here fast.

Randhir: I am really sorry sir.....I will be there in half an hour.

Director: You better hurry up Randhir....

Phone Conversation ends

Sanyukta: What happened Randhir?

Randhir(getting up from his seat): Chashmish I have to leave right now. Yesterday I didn't check the call time and now the whole team is waiting for me.

Sanyukta: But today is Sunday and you are still not well. Is it important to shoot today?

Randhir(wearing his shoes): I can't help it Chashmish and for actors there is nothing like "Sunday".

Sanyukta: Randhir .....mom and dad are returning today and they really wanted to meet you....mom was really worried for your health.

Randhir: I am really sorry Chashmish but I have to leave right now. Sir was really angry and my whole team is waiting for me. Say sorry to aunty and uncle from my side but I will meet them soon....on dinner or something.

Sanyukta: Its OK.....take care!!

Randhir: Bye Chashmish....

Sanyukta: Bye....

After that Randhir left for shooting and Sanyukta cleaned the house and prepared lunch as her parents were returning almost after 2 weeks. It was almost afternoon and finally the bell rang and Sanyukta ran and opened the door to see her parents smiling. She immediately hugged her mom.....

Sanyukta(hugging her mom tightly): Mom I missed you so much....

Sanyukta's mom: I missed you a lot beta.

Sanyukta's dad: Princess...all love for mom......Didn't you miss me?

Sanyukta(hugging her father): I missed you too dad......

After that Sanyukta served them some water and light snacks and they chatted all about the wedding and how everyone missed Sanyukta a lot. They were talking and Sanyukta was about to serve lunch to her parents when her phone rang.....

Phone Conversation

Sanyukta: Hello

Caller: Hello Ms.Aggarwal....I am Ejaz....the Director Of Sadda Haq....

Sanyukta: Yes sir....How can I help you?

Director: Ms. Aggarwal actually we need you to come to the college right now. As we are wrapping up the shooting in Delhi by tomorrow so we have to shoot a lot of scenes by today. I know it's your day-off but only you can help us in setting up the locations very fast and your work is really efficient. It's just the matter of 2 days, after that in dubbing and other post production work, we won't require that much of help......

Sanyukta: But sir.....I am a little busy today....

Director: Please Ms. Sanyukta......that's the last favor that I want from you.

Sanyukta(sighing): OK I will be there.

Director: Thanks a lot Ms. Aggarwal......

Phone Conversation Ends

Sanyukta: Mom....I have to go to college right now. The show's team needs me.....I am so sorry mom I wanted to spend the day with both of you but....

Sanyukta's mom: Its OK beta....you should go. Work comes first. By the way how is Randhir now?

Sanyukta: Mom.... his wound is alright now but he is suffering from mild fever and cold.

Sanyukta's mom: Randhir does not take care of himself at all. Sanyukta we are also coming with you......I will meet him and ask about his well being as well.

Sanyukta: But mom aren't you both tired?

Sanyukta's mom: We are fine beta.....and since the day you told me about his injury I really wanted to see him. He really reminds me of someone very close.....it's like there is an unknown connection that I feel with him.

Sanyukta: OK mom....lets leave for college then.

After that Sanyukta and her parents left for college. They reached there and Sanyukta took them to the set where Randhir had just completed his scene and was going to his green room when he saw them.....

Randhir(touching their feet): Namaste aunty....namaste uncle.....how are you both?

Sanyukta's mom(hugging him): We are absolutely fine beta......how are you?

Randhir: I am absolutely fine aunty.....(turning to Sanyukta) Chashmish what are you doing here/.....Isn't it your day off?

Sanyukta(smirking): Well your show can't shoot without me even for one day....so I had to come......and mom wanted to scold you for getting injured in such a dumb manner so.....I brought her here so that she can stretch your ears and scold you.

Sanyukta's mom(hitting her shoulder lightly): Sanyukta!!!! You have turned so naughty.

Sanyukta: What can I do mom?.....its an outcome of his company....

Randhir: Chashmish....

Just then the director called Sanyukta....

Sanyukta(sarcastically): Great!!!! Now you guys can continue your chit chat till the time I do some work....

After that Randhir took her parents to his green room and ordered tea and snacks for them.

Sanyukta's mom(examining his wrist): How is the wound now beta? Who has dressed this wound?

Randhir: Aunty actually....

Sanyukta's mom(properly dressing the wound): It looks like Sanyukta dressed your wound.....only she can put such a loose knot......who can say she is a doctor's daughter..?She is herself scared of wounds, blood and injections. I am sure she must have closed her eyes while dressing this wound. See.... now it's perfect.

Randhir(smiling): Thank you so much aunty....

Sanyukta's mom(caressing his forehead lovingly): You are just like a son to me beta....you don't need to thank me.

Randhir: You are so sweet aunty.....

Sanyukta's mom: Beta you should put butter on bread not me.....because I am here to really scold you because you don't take care of yourself.

Randhir(cutely): I am sorry....next time I will be careful.

Sanyukta's mom: Good....

After that they chatted for a little while and then they left for home and Randhir got busy in shooting. It was around 4 PM and Randhir had just finished his scene when his phone rang.....it was his mom.....

Phone Conversation

Randhir: Hey mom what's up?

Randhir's mom(jokingly): Roof....that's such a dumb question Ron!

Randhir(sarcastically): Haha mom....such a lame joke!

Randhir's mom: There's no value for good sense of humor nowadays....anyways I called to tell you that We are at Mumbai Airport and are just about to board the flight....so I thought to inform you that we will be there in Delhi by 6:30 PM

Randhir: What? Its Sunday today.....I totally forgot mom....Oh shit!!

Randhir's mom: Why do you think I called you?.....I knew you would forget as usual and we would be stranded on the airport waiting for you endlessly.....?Since now I have reminded you .....You better reach on time Ron...

Randhir(thinking something): Umm

Randhir's mom: Ron .....Are you listening to me?

Randhir: Yeah....yeah mom I will be there!!

Randhir's mom: Good.....now our flight is about to take off so I am switching off the phone.

Randhir: OK mom.....Have a safe journey....I will be waiting for you...Love you

Randhir's mom: Love you too beta.

Phone Conversation ends

Randhir(in mind): Shit yaar.....The director will not let me go early today.....already I was late and he seems in a bad mood....what should I do?

Sanyukta came in his green room to handover the script for next scene to him and saw that he was drowned in some thoughts.

Sanyukta: Randhir....(patting his shoulder)Randhir Is everything OK?

Randhir: Yeah Chashmish.....I am fine.....I am just thinking something!

Sanyukta: What?

Randhir(sighing): Actually Mom and Dad are coming to Delhi today as this is my last week of shooting here.....

Sanyukta(interrupting him): That's great na.....why are you worried about this?

Randhir: Chashmish actually they have boarded the flight and they will reach Delhi by 6:30 PM and there is no way that the director will let me leave early, especially when I came extremely late to the shoot today.....I don't know what should I do? I really wanted to pick them up......Its not that they can't go by themselves but I really wanted to welcome them.....

Sanyukta: Well I don't see that as a problem.

Randhir: Chashmish I think you didn't hear me out clearly.....I can't leave the shoot.

Sanyukta: I know that and at the same time you want your parents to feel welcome.....right?

Randhir: Yeah....

Sanyukta: So I can pick them up from the airport.

Randhir: That's a great idea Chashmish.....you would do that for me?

Sanyukta: On one condition.....

Randhir: What?

Sanyukta: That you have to come for dinner at my house with your parents today.

Randhir: Done Chashmish....

Sanyukta: Great....

Randhir: They will reach Delhi by 6:30 PM ....in fact you take my car with driver. I have already booked a room for them in the same hotel in which I am staying and as soon as the shoot will get over, we will come to your house for dinner.

Sanyukta: Ok....it's already 5:45 PM....It takes about half an hour to reach the airport from here....so I should leave now.

Randhir: OK Chashmish.....and Thanks a lot!

Sanyukta(bowing down dramatically): Pleasure is all mine!!

They both laughed hard on it. After that Sanyukta left for the airport while Randhir got busy in shooting. On the way she called her mom and informed her that she had invited Randhir and his family for dinner tonight.At the airport, Sanyukta was waiting for his parents when she saw them coming out. She was about to touch their feet but they stopped her and instead hugged her.

Sanyukta(hugging his mom): Namaste aunty....Namaste uncle.....Welcome to Delhi. How are you ?

Randhir's mom: We are alright sweetheart......and there couldn't have been a more pleasant welcome to Delhi.

Randhir's dad: That's right Avantika......and where's Rockstar Sanyukta?

Sanyukta(nervously): Actually he is stuck in shooting.....its the second last day of shoot so its quite hectic.....he really wanted to come and pick you both.

Randhir's Mom: So he sent you to make up for it?

Sanyukta: Umm Yes.....

Randhir's dad: Well Rockstar did make up for his absence by sending you here....

Sanyukta: Now lets leave.....I will drop you guys for the hotel and after you guy freshen up and Randhir gets free from shooting.....you guys are invited for dinner at my house.

Randhir's dad: Well I can't wait for a good meal after that pathetic flight snack.

Randhir's mom(hitting his shoulder lightly): Harsh!!

After that they moved towards the car and first Sanyukta dropped them to the hotel and then left for home to make preparations for the dinner.

Aggarwal Mansion, 8 PM

Sanyukta and her mom were busy in preparing dinner. Almost everything was done and they were just preparing the dessert, when Sanyukta called Randhir....

Phone Conversation

Sanyukta: Hey Randhir.....where have you reached?

Randhir(flirting): Chill Chashmish.....I know you are missing me too much but you have to wait 10 minutes more "baby"

Sanyukta: Dream on Flirt....and don't you dare "baby" me again....Huh!!

Randhir(laughing): You are soo cute Chashmish....

Sanyukta: Huh!!

After that they hanged up the phone. In roughly about 15 minutes they reached her house and rang the doorbell. Sanyukta opened the door and welcomed them inside her house. Till then her parents also came out. Her mom was coming in front of the couch to welcome them but when her parents came in front of his parents......all 4 of them became speechless seeing each other. They all were staring at each other with hidden emotions and it was like words were stuck in their mouth and they were talking through their eyes. On the other side both Randhir and Sanyukta were dumbfounded by the reaction of their parents seeing each other.

Sanyukta(trying to break the trance): Umm.....Mom (pointing towards Randhir's mom)this is.....

Sanyukta's mom(interrupting her): Avantika.....Avantika Shekhawat

Randhir's mom(standing up): Anjana.....

Sanyukta: Mom.....you guys know each other?

However both the ladies were in some other world. It was like time has stopped for them or maybe they were just taken back in time by seeing each other.

Randhir(coming near Sanyukta and whispering): Chashmish why are they reacting like this and how do they know each other?

Sanyukta(teasingly): Maybe they both are long lost sisters and you might be one of my long distance cousins whom I didn't know till now.....

Randhir(shouting): What?

Randhir's voice brought all of them out of trance and finally their parents came back from their long lost memories and realized that they were really standing in front of each other and both their mothers tightly hugged each other.

Randhir's mom(hugging her): Anju ....!

Sanyukta's mom(hugging back tightly): Avantika its been such a long time.....

Sanyukta(teasingly): See.....they are hugging like long lost sisters.....maybe you are my cous.....

Randhir(interrupting her and whispering): What?....There's no way you are my sis....umm cousin

Sanyukta(enjoying teasing him): Why is that so?

Randhir: Try and Understand Chashmish......I am a guy.....I've had many thoughts about you and they are definitely not "sisterly".....(Smirking).....if you know what I mean....

Sanyukta(hitting him lightly on his shoulder): Randhir.....you Cheapo....

Randhir's mom(stretching his ear): Are you being naughty again Ron?

Randhir: Ouch mom....leave me leave me.....I was just saying to Chashmish that you and aunty are not some long lost sisters.

Randhir's mom: Well you are right......we are not sisters but the bond we have is much more than that.

Randhir: What do you mean?

Sanyukta: How do you guys know each other mom?

Sanyukta's mom: Well it's a very long story and it has been a long time......how many years has it been Avantika since we last saw each other?

Randhir's mom(smiling): Well maybe Randhir can answer your question.

Randhir: Mom....what are you saying? How would I know when you and aunty met last?

Randhir's mom: What's your age Randhir?

Randhir(confusingly): 27....why are you asking?

Randhir's mom(looking towards Sanyukta's mom): That's your answer......its been 27 years Anju!!

Sanyukta's mom(caressing Randhir's cheek): Avantika he's grown into a handsome young man.

Randhir: Aunty and mom will you please tell us how you guys know each other.

Sanyukta's mom: Since it's a long story, let's talk about it after dinner.

After that they all settled on the dining table and the dinner was served. They all relished the dinner to the fullest.

Randhir's Mom: Anju the Rajma rice were so delicious......your hands still have the same taste as they had 27 years before.

Sanyukta's mom(laughing): And you still have those pregnancy taste buds of yours active Avantika......still love Rajma rice so much.

Randhir's mom: Don't blame me.....blame Ron....its because of him that I can't have enough of your Rajma Rice.

All 4 of them laughed while Randhir and Sanyukta were too curious to know that how do their parents know each other. So, while having dessert, they finally lost their patience.

Randhir: Mom, come on now tell us ......how do you guys know each other?

Randhir's mom: OK OK.....so let me start. The year was 1992......

Flashback(Avantika Shekhawat(Randhir's mom) POV)

Your dad and I were college sweethearts. Initially our families were against our relationship, but gradually they accepted our love and got us married to each other. At that time, we used to live in Delhi and I worked as a writer with a newspaper, while your dad worked as a junior engineer in a start up company. So, we both earned money but still we couldn't afford a very lavish lifestyle or something, yet whatever little we had, we were happy in that. Since your paternal grandparents lived in a 2 bedroom house and your uncle and aunt also lived there. So we had to move out. Your dad and I used to live in a one bedroom flat on rent. It was a small house yet we had our whole world encapsulated within that house. Your dad used to send half of his salary to his parents every month and he used to save the other half of his salary. So we used to run the house with my salary which was not much, still we tried to make ends meet.

Your dad used to save half of his salary so that he could accumulate some capital to start his own business. Harsh always used to say that he wanted to give me every happiness and luxury of the world. While for me, it was not the luxury but his dream to set up his own business that mattered.So after 8 months or so, your dad quit his job to start his own business. At that time my family and his own family were firmly against him quitting his job. Everyone just told him that quitting his job was the worst decision of his life. For a moment, even your dad thought that he is taking a huge risk by quitting his job. He was second-guessing the idea of starting his own business. However, I had seen your dad working really hard and putting his sweat and blood in planning and accumulating capital for his business. I knew his potential and I knew he had a long way to go. So, going against both of our families, I encouraged him to quit his job and work on starting his business.

Initially it was really tough for us to cope upas one salary of our house had become 0 and we had to manage all expenses within one salary.But after every night, there comes a day and so your dad started getting small tenders gradually.Those small contracts were like a boost of confidence for us. Everything was going smooth and we happily completed 1 year of our marriage. That day we celebrated with a home made cake, not only because we completed one year but because we got the 'good news' of an addition to our family. To be honest we were not very much settled to have planned a baby but it was a gift of god and so we embraced it happily. Harsh was really very supportive. He used to work all day for his business along with taking full care of me.

By the time I was 4 months pregnant, your dad had accumulated enough capital to set up a factory in Mumbai. We were going to shift to Mumbai in 10 days when suddenly I had started experiencing cramps. So we tried to consult my doctor but then we got to know that she had permanently shifted to US. So we went to XYZ hospital for a check up. That day was like a nightmare for us. The doctor told that I had a lot of complications in my pregnancy. The doctor told me that I had to be admitted immediately and she told Harsh that he had to deposit Rs. 1.5 Lakh to the hospital. At that time 1.5 Lakh was a very huge amount. We didn't know what we should do.

At that time, your dad took a very difficult decision. He went to the bank and broke his FD which he had created to set up his factory. He didn't even think for a moment before breaking it because our child was his topmost priority. I was prepared for being admitted. When I was about to be admitted, I was asked to change my clothes. When I went to change my clothes, a young intern came inside my room and told me something which shocked me to the core.

That intern told me that the gynecologist who had done my check up was cheating on us. She told me that the hospital was just looting us and that they had planned to abort my child and take out my organs like my kidney and sell it to the patients who need kidney at a very high price. She told me that the hospital was carrying out a big organ scandal. She asked me to call my husband and stop him from depositing the money in the hospital. She told me to run away from there.

I was shocked to the core. For a moment, I thought that should I even believe in words of a girl who is mere intern at this hospital. At the same time there was just an unsaid honesty in her eyes which made my instincts say that I should believe her. That day, it was god in the form of that young intern who came to save my and your life Ron.

Flashback(Avantika's POV ) Ends

Randhir's mom: Do you know who was that intern who saved our life that day Ron?

Randhir(in a trance): Who was it mom?

Randhir's mom(smiling): It was Anjana Aggarwal.....

Sanyukta(shocked): What? It was you mom?

Sanyukta's mom(smiling): Yes it was me. Let me tell you the story from here....

Flashback (Anjana Aggarwal( Sanyukta's mom) POV) begins....

I had just completed my MBBS in 1993 and I had started interning at the XYZ hospital under Mrs. Ghosh. She was the head gynecologist there. She seemed to be a fine lady, however her way of working was quite weird. I was not an experienced doctor at that time, yet I had the basic knowledge about pregnancy and various complications involved in it. Mrs. Ghosh often used to suggest medicines to her patients which were not even required in their cases. I even asked her and told my opinion on certain cases to her but she used to reprimand me saying that I am just an intern and that I should not tell her how to handle the patients.

One day, a young pair came to the hospital for their checkup. The woman was suffering cramps during the 4th month of her pregnancy. The doctor did the sonography and told that there were a lot of complications in her pregnancy. The patient was Avantika Shekhawat.I had analysed her sonography reports and yes, her pregnancy had certain complications but her condition was not such that she needed to be admitted in the hospital, yet Dr. Ghosh told her to get admitted in the hospital and asked her husband to deposit a huge amount of Rs. 1.5 Lakh to the hospital. So I decided to confront Dr. Ghosh about it. I saw her going to the cabin of Dr. Malhotra, the Owner of the hospital. I was about to enter inside when I heard them talking.....

Dr. Malhotra: So, Dr. Ghosh, how is everything going?

Dr. Ghosh: Sir everything is on track. Today a pregnant lady came for check up and her pregnancy has complications. So I asked her to get admitted in the hospital and asked her husband to deposit Rs. 1.5 Lakh in the hospital for her treatment.

Dr. Malhotra: That's great. What about the next step?

Dr. Ghosh: Sir the next step will be very smooth. We will give that lady a heavy dose of anesthesia and we will abort her baby as anyways she has complications in her pregnancy. We will tell them that she had a miscarriage due to the complications. Further, while performing her abortion, we will also take out one of her kidneys and we will sell it at a very high price to some rich patient who is in need of a kidney.

Dr. Malhotra(smirking): That's great Dr. Ghosh....good job. You will get double bonus this month.

I was just shocked to hear all this. I silently ran away from there and started searching for Avantika.I couldn't let such a crime happen. As a doctor, it was my duty to save lives and not take advantage of them. This was a crime and I couldn't let it happen. This was not only against my ethics as a doctor but also as a human being.I went to Dr. Gosh's cabin and started searching her register for Avantika's contact number. I finally found it and I started dialing her number but suddenly the phone was snatched from me and disconnected. It was Dr. Ghosh.....

Dr. Ghosh(cunningly): May I know what are you doing in my cabin Ms. Aggarwal?Your shift was over 2 hours ago.

I told her that I was going to expose her and this whole hospital and the illegal organ scandal that they are running. She started laughing and told me that I couldn't do anything and she told me that she would finish my career and would get me blacklisted from all the reputed hospitals. I told her that I didn't care and I was about to exit from her cabin when I felt a slight pain in my head. Dr. Ghosh had hit me with a rod and I fainted right there. After 5-6 hours, I regained my senses and saw that I was locked in the store room of the hospital. I tried to open the door but it was locked, so I somehow jumped out of the window and reached the second floor of the hospital. I wore a mask so no one could recognize me. I saw that Avantika had come to get admitted. I was about to call her when I saw her talking to Dr. Ghosh, so I hid behind a pillar. After that I saw her going to change in the hospital robe, so taking the chance I went inside and told her everything. At that time I had nothing to prove that I was saying the truth, yet Avantika showed trust upon me. So I helped her runaway from the hospital and we stopped at a PCO and called Harsh bhaiya and told him everything. I came to know that Harsh and Avantika had nowhere to go as they had vacated their rented house, since they were planning to shift to Mumbai and thought that after getting discharged, they would go straight to Mumbai. So I took her to my house and told Harsh Bhaiya the address so he could come there directly.

Flashback in Anjana Aggarwal's POV ends

Present Day

Randhir's Mom: Let me continue from here Anjana......after all from here started the beautiful journey of 6 months that we lived together.......

Flashback in Avantika Shekhawat's POV

Anjana took me to her house. At that time Amar Bhaiya and she lived in a one bedroom house together like us. I got to know that they had got married just 2 months back. Her house kind of reminded me of our own house, small yet so beautiful. Harsh reached the house and we thanked Anjana for saving us. We had to find a place to live, so we called our families to help us. However, I never thought that our families would show us their back when we needed them the most. No one from our family was ready to let us live with them. They told us that since it was our decision to be overambitious and start a business of our own, so we should solve our problems ourselves. No one thought that I was carrying my child, not even my own parents. We decided that we would shift to a hotel till the time we find a new house on rent. However, Anjana and Amar bhaiya insisted that we stay with them at least until we find a house on rent. We didn't want to be a burden on them, but they had treated us like family and we couldn't say no to family.

That night, all of us had dinner together and we got to know each other. We shared our dreams, future plans and so on. However, that night when we switched on the TV and saw the news, we couldn't believe our eyes. The news channel had headlines.........

"Young Intern Dr. Anjana Aggarwal involved in a fraudulent carried out by a couple. They took XYZ hospital services and the intern even looted the hospital and took away Rs. 1.5 Lakh and she is spreading out fake information to defame the hospital. Dr.Ghosh has appealed to all the reputed hospitals to blacklist this fraudulent intern."

I remember that night clearly. Anjana didn't even shed a tear seeing the news. She very well knew that her whole career and dream was crushed into pieces but she stood like a rock. In fact I was feeling guilty and responsible for all this because if it wasn't for me, Anjana wouldn't have been in this situation. But Anjana told me not to feel guilty for even 1 second. She told me that she would prefer to be jobless and see her dreams of being a Dr. crushed rather than turning into someone like Dr. Ghosh. She told me not to worry and made me sleep in her bedroom. Later that night I woke up to drink some water when I heard Amar Bhaiya and Anjana talking to Harsh....

Anjana(joining hands looking at Harsh): I am so sorry bhaiya......because of me you both are also stuck in problem. Right now, they have not revealed your identity but she is capable of defaming you both as well.

Harsh: Why are you apologizing Anjana? You have saved my family. I would be thankful to you for my whole life. You are like my little sister.Please don't embarrass me by apologizing to me.

Amar: But Harsh ji, Anjana is right. If she reveals your identity, then it will be very tough for you to live in Delhi. You can be even arrested with Anjana.

Harsh: You are right......we should move to Mumbai tomorrow itself.

Anjana: I am sorry to say Bhaiya but Avantika is not in a condition to travel. I have analysed her sonography reports and there are complications which we can't ignore and it's not safe for her to travel.She needs to be kept away from stress and exertion.

Harsh: What should we do now?

Amar: If you don't mind, I would like to suggest something.

Harsh: Please....

Amar: I would suggest that both of you should live here till the delivery of your child. You can travel to Mumbai for setting up your business without any tension as we would be there with Avantika to take care of her. She is having complications right now and after 6th month it is anyway not advisable to travel. Rather till the time, your baby will come into this world; you can set up your business in Mumbai easily. I know Anjana is not much experienced but I assure you she will take very good care of Avantika.

Harsh(joining his hands): I am glad Amar ji that you are ready to take so much pain for us but we don't want to be a burden on you.....

Anjana: Bhaiya.....just a few minutes back you called me your little sister and now in a moment you made us strangers......I understand you don't trust me enough....

Harsh(interrupting her): Anjana.....I trust you please and you both are more than family for us but.....

Anjana: No buts......since you called us family, you both have to live here because family members live together......

Harsh(smiling): No one can win from you.....

Amar(sighing):Who knows that better than me....

Anjana lightly hit her husband and all 3 of them laughed. Seeing Anjana and Amar bhaiya, my trust in humanity and this world awoke. There are people in this world who think about others before themselves. I didn't have words to express my gratitude towards them.

The next day Anjana contacted one of her friends who was interning in the same hospital. Somehow she believed Anjana and helped her to gain all my reports and files from the hospital so that our name does not get tarnished. Later she called Dr. Ghosh and warned her that she had proof and witnesses against her. So she took back the case against Anjana. However that didn't help much because her image was already tarnished in the city. No hospital was ready to give her internship. She never cried or showed any disappointment in front of me but she used to cry every night in Amar Bhaiya's arms in the drawing room. They had given their bedroom to us and they used to sleep in the drawing room.

Anjana used to fulfill all my cravings butkeeping in mind my strict diet. She would always give me healthy diet. Shetreated me like a sister. Cooking my favorite food for me......starting from Rajmarice, chaat, sweets and so on. Even Amar Bhaiya used to cook my favoritedesserts for me. They both were more than family for me. Harsh often used to beon tour to Mumbai but they never let me feel lonely at all. Since we couldn'tgo for check up in hospital due to Dr. Malhotra and Dr. Ghosh's threats, soAnjana tried to do my check up at home only but we didn't have a sonographymachine with us. However one day she brought all the equipment required toperform a sonography. I asked her how she got it. She told me that one of hercollege professors helped her get it as he had the doctor's license. I gotconvinced at that time but later when I heard her talking to Amar bhaiya, Icouldn't believe that she could do something like this for me......

Conversation between Anjana and Amar Aggarwal

Amar: Anjana we can think of something else.....you don't have to do this. I will manage something.

Anjana: Amar you are already doing so much. What else do you want to do for me? And it's not a big deal.

Amar(holding her shoulder): Look in my eyes and say that Anjana. Say that selling your wedding jewelry which your mom gave you for buying the sonography machine is not a big deal for you...haan...tell me?

Anjana(controlling her tears): Amar.....its just jewelry and the sonography machine was important. My mentor could only help me get the licensed machine. I have to pay for it myself.

Amar: Its not just jewelry Anjana.....it was your mother's love for you.

Anjana(hugging amar): Please Amar......The sonography machine is very important and for me Avantika and her baby's life is more important than anything.....

Amar: You know what.....your mom would be proud of you. In fact I am so proud of my wife because she is a gem of a person.

Anjana: I have a gem of a husband.....

Amar(smiling): Well I can't deny the truth.....

They both laughed at it and slept while talking to each other......

I didn't have words to explain what I was feeling at that time. Anjana sold her mother's jewelry for me and my baby. I would never be able to pay-off what she was doing for me.....at least not in this lifetime. That day I determined myself and promised myself to do something. However, I never told her that I knew what sacrifices she had been doing for me. She used to take care of my diet, mood swings and all my needs. She even made me do some exercises and Yoga which was really beneficial for me. However, the complications were always there.In the 6th month, when she performed my sonography, we saw you and heard your heartbeat for the first time Ron. It was a magical experience for both me and your dad.However, Anjana was really worried after analyzing my sono reports.Initially she didn't tell me anything but finally she confided into us and told that baby has turned its position in my womb which is not good. She told that if the baby didn't come back to its original position, then I might have to go through a cesarean delivery. Moreover my BP was fluctuating a lot in these days which was not good for the baby.

Days went by and Anjana always tried to cheer me up so that I didn't take any stress. Gradually I entered the 7th month of my pregnancy. One morning, when we woke up....we found a brand new beautiful Saree and a beautiful Kurta set in the bedroom. I came out of the room and saw that the whole house was beautifully decorated and I could smell delicacies and sweets from the kitchen. I thought to ask Anjana about it.....

Avantika: Anju .....What is all this? Is there some occasion today?

Anjana(smiling): Yes there is a very special occasion today but first tell me did you and bhaiya like the clothes we bought for you?

Avantika: They are beautiful Anju but what's the occasion?

Anjana: Well......it's your baby shower ceremony today.....

Avantika(surprised and emotional): My....my baby shower ceremony?

Anjana: Yes....aren't you happy Avantika?.....come on now smile.....

I just hugged Anju tightly. I had no words to describe my happiness that day. What was this woman...? My own family never even called to know my whereabouts and here she is ......a girl who sacrificed her dreams for me,....sold her wedding jewelry to provide best facilities to me and now arranged my baby shower ceremony. Words were not enough to describe what I was feeling at that moment.

She then took me to the room and made me ready for the ceremony. She had called her own mother to shower blessings on me. I can never forget that beautiful day. It was a day filled with happiness, blessings, love, joy and lots of happiness. Anju and Amar Bhaiya never let me feel the void of my family. During my 7th month, I used to talk to my baby and he would respond by kicking me. The next 2 months went by with my cravings, mood swings, our heartfelt friendship and family moments and an endless wait for my baby to enter this world.

It was my 9th month and my due date was very near but at that time your dad got a big contract deal in Mumbai. This deal was something which could've established your dad in the business world. However, I was really scared at that time. I wanted your dad to be by my side when you come into the world Ron but at the same time I knew I have to let him go for his dreams, for our future and for above all your future.

Although Anju had almost set up a mini hospital for me in her bedroom with drips, sono machine,BP machine and all the medicines and instruments that she could avail, yet she insisted that we should visit a hospital for check up and get admitted there as my due date was very near but I kept denying her. After 4-5 days, I was talking to Harsh on phone and he told me that he had bagged that deal and that he was going to return that evening. I was really very happy and excited. My baby had turned out to be so lucky for us. I was going to tell Anju about this when suddenly I felt a slight pain but I kept walking. Somehow the pain kept increasing and I couldn't walk anymore and fell down on my knees. I shouted.....

Avantika(screaming in Pain): Anju.....!!!!!!!

Anjana came running to me and was shocked to see my condition. She knew it was time.....so she called Amar Bhaiya and tried to make me walk so they could take me to the hospital but I don't know what came to me at that time that I denied to go to the hospital .....

Anjana: Avantika......we have to go to the hospital....it's the time for your baby to come!!

Avantika(crying in Pain): Anju.....I wont go to the hospital without Harsh......please!!!!

I had taken a huge risk on mine and my baby's life but as usual Anjana was there for me. She took me to the room and made me lay on the bed. She checked my contractions, BP and pulses. She put me on drips and did a quick check up. By that time Amar Bhaiya called Harsh and told him about me. I had to bear labor pain for 5 hours but finally it was time.We couldn't wait anymore and now I was not in a condition to be even moved to the hospital. Anju had to perform the delivery. The baby's position had not come to the desired place, so the complications increased all the more. I was shouting in pain......the pain was such that it was killing me. Suddenly my BP got shoot up and it was going out of control.....yet Anju tried to relax me and even in that critical situation, she stayed calm and composed. Thankfully Harsh had reached by that time and he met me. Afterwards, Anju and Harsh went outside to talk.

Flashback in Avantika's POv ends.....

Sanyukta: Then what happened?

Sanyukta's mom: I will tell you that.....

Flashback in Anjana's POV begins....

Avantika's situation was very critical and it took me all of my strength to stay calm in that situation. When Harsh bhaiya came, I had to confront him and tell him the truth....rather I had to put him in such a tough situation that I believe no man would ever want to be......

Harsh: Anjana.....Avantika and my baby are fine right....?

Anjana was silent for a moment.....

Harsh(angrily): Dammit Anjana speak up....they both are fine right?

Anjana: Bhaiya.....Avantika's situation is very critical......I am afraid you....you have to choose between Avantika and your baby......

Harsh was dumbfounded......he never wanted to be in such a situation. He wished it was a nightmare but this was an unfortunate reality.

Anjana: We cannot wait anymore bhaiya.....I need you to choose between.....

Harsh(interrupting her): I chose "my Family" Anjana.....you have to save them both....(going on his knees) I beg you.......please save my family.

Anjana(crying and making Harsh stand up): I will try my best Bhaiya.......

After that I went into the room and began with the procedure. I first tried to bring her BP into control, once done with that I moved ahead. It was my very first operation as a gynecologist but there was only one thing in my mind....to save Avantika and her baby. It took me 3 hours and it was only after that I was done with the operation but at that moment I felt I had lost something very precious.....the baby was not crying......I cut the umbilical chord and tried to rub the back but nothing was working. Suddenly I had lost all my strength......I felt that I could never forgive myself for not being able to save the child. How would I face Harsh Bhaiya.....and above all what I would say to Avantika. I was loosing my own breathes at that moment. Then Harsh bhaiya's words echoed in my ears.....

"Harsh: I chose "my Family" Anjana.....you have to save them both....I beg you.......please save my family."

I could not give up like this.....I gave mouth to mouth to the baby....rubbed his chest and back continuously......and finally the baby gave out a loud cry.

Flashback in Anjana's POV ends

Present Day

Sanyukta's mom(looking at Randhir): You know what Randhir.....A mother can never see her baby cry and at that time I was neither a fully experienced doctor nor a mother but at that moment.....your first cry in this world gave me the biggest relief and happiness that I experienced only once before Sanyukta was born. That day your crying voice filled oxygen in my lungs and the same was the case for your parents when I gave you in their arms. Right Avantika?

Randhir's mom: Right Anju.....that day you gave my life in my arms.(Looking towards Randhir) I remember I and Harsh looked in your big tear filled eyes and seeing us you gave us a smile that meant the world to us. That was a magical moment for us.

You brought a wave of happiness in our family of 4. All 4 of us would always be around you....to take care of you, to play with you. Harsh had to often visit Mumbai to set up our house where we would be starting our new lives. During that time Anjana and Amar bhaiya took care of you like their own child. In fact, you often didn't sleep at night, so Amar bhaiya always used take you out with Anjana and gave you rides on his scooter.

After 21 days of your birth, we organised your naming ceremony.

Sanyukta's mom: I clearly remember that day......the priest said that according to your sun sign, your name should start with the letter 'R'. We were looking at Avantika and Harsh Bhaiya so they can reveal the name they decided for you.....but at that moment they gave you in my arms and Harsh Bhaiya told me that in their customs, it is the baby's aunt who names the baby.....and he told me that since I am his little sister....so I should name you. You know Randhir; you have fought against destiny and took birth on this earth. Despite all the complications, some outside evil dangers and the last moment emergency delivery.....and initial lack of oxygen.......you emerged as a warrior.....a warrior in this battlefield called world......and that is why I named you 'Randhir'......which means 'brave in the battlefield'.

Maybe that is why when I saw you the first time.....I felt that I have a very close connection with you and see the World is such a small and beautiful place that we met again.....

Randhir's mom: Anjana.....that's so true. The world is really a small and beautiful place and in this place god always sends you to save my life in one form or the other.

Sanyukta's mom: What do you mean Avantika?

Randhir's mom(smiling): What I mean to say is that initially it was you who saved mine and Ron's life and a few days back Sanyukta saved my life from a fatal accident.( Caressing Sanyukta's cheek) She is truly your reflection Anjana. That day she did not even think about her own life and jumped to save my life......she could only be your and Amar Bhaiya's daughter. Selflessness is in her blood.

Randhir: Wow.....I didn't know that our families had such a deep close connection......

Randhir's mom: The connection is indeed very deep. After we shifted to Mumbai, we started our new life with you in that 3 bedroom flat where we still live today Ron. That house is really special for us. Even after our business flourished and we started having money to afford all the lavish lifestyle, we preferred to live in that 3 bedroom flat because it was our very own first house and it will always remain special. That's why your dad bought two bungalows....one in Mumbai and other in Delhi but turned them into farmhouses to spent holidays. In fact when we came to buy property in Delhi, we tried to find Anjana and Amar Bhaiya but by that time they both had also shifted from that flat, so we couldn't really be in touch.....but see today we met each other through you and Sanyukta.

Sanyukta(coming out of trance): Mom I didn't understand one thing......how did you get your license back to practice medicine?

Sanyukta's mom(looking at Randhir's mom):Well......after Avantika and Harsh Bhaiya left......a few days later, a leadingnewspaper published an article exposing the XYZ hospital and their scandals. Infact a police inquiry began and 'someone' became witnessin my defense on conditions of anonymity and proved me innocent. So this is howI got my license back.

Randhir: Really....who was it aunty?

Sanyukta's mom: Didn't your mom mention that she worked as a writer in the initial years of her career........?

Randhir: Mom...it was you?

Randhir's mom: Yes it was me.....it was the least I could do for Anjana.

Sanyukta's mom: Really....? (raising her eyebrows)Then who bought my mother's jewelry back from the jewelers and sent it through parcel to me?

Randhir's mom: Hey I wouldn't have gone to the jeweler if you would have accepted the little amount of money I was giving to you for all that you did for us.......

Sanyukta's mom: Avantika.....what did I tell you to do with the money?

Randhir's mom: I know you told me to give that money to a woman who needs help and I did that exactly. I started an NGO in Mumbai known as "Shakti" and that money was the first amount that I invested in its establishment.

Randhir: That is why you started the NGO mom....!!!!

Randhir's mom(smiling): Well you are right Ron. I started "Shakti" based on my own and Anjana's experience. There are millions of girls in our country who have to fight for fulfilling their dreams like Anjana.....similarly there are many pregnant ladies who don't even have the support of their husbands just because they are carrying girl child and so on. "Shakti" aims at empowering all such girls and women who want to stand on their own feet, become independent and make their mark on the world.

Sanyukta's Mom: I am proud of you Avantika!!!!

Randhir's mom: I am proud of you Anjana because you fulfilled all your dreams....!!!!

MY POV

It's a scientific fact that the world is round.....but we come to believe this fact when at some point in life we come across with people from the past......just like Randhir and Sanyukta's parents came across each other. This part is especially dedicated to Doctors. In this time of pandemic, the doctors have been working 24/7 for treating people like us and they are doing this by putting their own life at risk and by staying away from their own families. A big salute to all the doctors for saving and bringing new lives on this earth.

I know this part is mostly about the flashbacks and the past connections but believe me the "Past, Present and Future" are always connected in some way or the other.

I know guys.....I have updated this part quite late but it was quite a long update .....around 8400 words.I hope this update is worth the wait for you guys. Thanks a lot for the lovely response on previous update guys. I am really happy that you all are liking my story. Please continue supporting and motivating me through your votes and comments. I would love to know what you think of my story. Have a great day and stay safe!!!!!