''Do it fast Rock star! Today also, you are going to be late for school'' Ram said looking at Peehu who is arranging the books according to the timetable. Peehu turned to face Ram.

"Two minutes papa, I am almost done," replied Peehu.

"You should have done this last evening itself Peehu" Ram said in a slightly stern voice.

"Peehu is very small, don't remember things sometimes" Peehu said in a cute way that Ram could not help but smile at her cuteness.

"And where is your tie Peehu? Did you forget that as well?" Ram asked, maintaining a straight face.

"Don't know papa, I have been searching for it since morning." Peehu said with a sad face. She finished keeping her books in a school bag and then zipped it.

"Peehu why don't you keep your things in a proper place" Ram asked Peehu when she got up and started searching for the tie.

"I kept it here only, but don't know where it is gone." Peehu defended herself, still looking for her school tie. Ram looked at his watch, they were already very late and Peehu still needed to find her tie.

"This is not done Peehu, you should pay attention to your things. No one is going to do it for you beta." Ram said this time a little annoyed, trying to put some sense into her brain.

"Ok tell me, did you finish your homework." Ram asked.

Peehu bit her tongue. "Sorry dad, Bua was not there last night and I couldn't do my homework on my own". Peehu said apologetically with her face hanging down.

"Why didn't you ask me, I could have helped you?" Ram said in disappointment.

"You came very late from the office last night and Dadi went somewhere, then whom should I ask." questioned Peehu pouting her lips.

"Ok ok enough excuses for the day. I will try to come early from office and help you with your homework, okay?" Ram said defeated.

"Ok I am done now, let's go." Peehu cheerfully placed the bag on her tiny shoulders.

In the car,

Ram is driving and Peehu is sitting beside him. She is silent and looking straight on the road, which is not her usual thing, Ram glances at her 2-3 times and wonders why she is so quiet today.

"Peehu?" Ram called her.

Peehu looks at him

"Do you want to say something?" Ram worriedly asked, seeing her silent all of a sudden.

"Dad I am not a good girl na" Ram shocked hearing this. He parked the car at the side of the road. He unbuckled his seat belt and looked at her nervously.

"What happened Peehu, who told you so?" Ram nervously asked, placing his hand on her shoulder. Peehu was staring at Ram. A few seconds of silence went by.

"Dad I want mom? Where is she? Why is she not living with us?" Peehu asked all the questions at once. She was serious and Ram knew he had to change the topic. He did not want these questions coming to Peehu and nor did he wanted to answer her.

"Peehu..." Ram trailed off in the middle not knowing what to say.

"Dad no, tell me," Peehu said, positioning herself. "Doesn't she like me? What happened to her? I know Mumma left me because I am not a good girl. I don't do my homework; never keep the things in a proper place". Ram sensed Peehu is very disturbed and missing motherly love.

Ram inhaled a huge amount of air to compose himself closing his eyes and flashes of his past ran in front of his eyes.

His past is the biggest secret of his life. No one knows what happened exactly in his life. He jerks from his past when again he hears Peehu's voice.

"Dad! Dad!" Peehu called in concern. He opened his moist filled eyes and saw how worried Peehu was. A smile appeared on her face as soon Ram flashed her a faint smile.

"Don't worry dad, I will never ask about mom again." Peehu's said. She had seen how her question made her dad worry so much. She will always want to see him happy and she did not want that to change.

"You are not a bad girl Peehu, you are the best daughter in the world. Papa loves you so much". Ram kissed on her forehead, cupping her face.

Peehu hugged him, throwing her tiny hands around her father's neck. "I love you too papa."

"Thank you Rock star" Ram whispered softly and kissed Peehu on her both cheeks.

Peehu's questions came swirling in his mind. Her voice was the only thing he could hear in his drive back home. When he came back, KK noticed something was wrong. Ram sat on the sofa pressing his temple.

"What happened Ram, you look so lost and worried," asked Kk sitting beside him.

Ram let a deep sigh. "Today Peehu asked about her mother." Ram said with a pale face.

"Ram....Peehu is growing up, so her questions regarding her mother will also arise. Every time you cannot escape from answering her questions. One or the other day you will have to tell her the truth," KK said trying to make him understand.

"And do you think if I tell the truth, she will understand everything. No Maa, I cannot tell her anything right now. She is very small to understand all these things." Ram is worried and disturbed.

"Ram, if you get married she will stop asking about her mother." said KK placing her hand gently on his shoulder.

"Maa, marriage is not the solution for each and every problem". Ram said strongly.

"Try to understand Ram, Peehu needs a mother. She is growing up and there are many things, which only a mother can understand. In addition, you need a soul mate. How long will you lead a single life?" KK tried to make some sense to him.

"I don't need a soul mate and about Peehu, she has to understand that she will not get everything she wishes for," Ram said frustratingly.

"Ram but" Ram cut her off in the middle

"Stop it Maa, this topic is closed. I don't want to discuss it anymore," saying this ram sprinted off from there.

KK helplessly looks at the retreating figure of Ram.

*********

Daijaa and Priya were sitting on the park bench while Rajat was playing with Meher, Aryan and Amira. Meher and Amaira are sitting on the swing, Rajat is swinging them and Aryan is playing on the playground slide. Priya smiled looking at them playing in their own way.

"So how is your new school Priya?" asked Daija.

"Good Daija" Priya replied facing Daija.

Daija always sees despair in Priya's eyes which she tactfully covers with her soft smile.

"Priya, can I ask you something, please don't mind" Priya read Daija had many questions for her. Therefore, she nodded.

"Daija, why are you talking like this?" asked Priya worriedly.

"Priya, I know you from the time when you are pregnant with Aryan and Amaira. Since then, neither I have seen anyone coming to your house nor seen you talking to anyone. Where are your parents Priya? Who is Aryan and Amaira's father?" Daija asked all of a sudden, making Priya's eyes filled with tears.

Priya stiffened her body immediately hearing these set of questions, which made her think about her parents and her past. She is struggling with her inner turmoil. She is fighting back with her own fears and torments. She wants to be stronger but it hurts so much and makes her vulnerable.

Daija pats on her shoulder and she comes out of the commotion caused in her mind. She wiped her tears before they trickled down her cheeks and put up a forced smile.

"Simple Daija, I did not have anybody in my family, but now I have my kids and of course you, Meher and Rajat" said Priya, looking at Daiijaa half-heartedly. Daiijaa was left confused, she knew Priya was hiding something but said she chose to remain silent giving her some space.

"I'm going home Daija, send them home after playing." Priya left from there.

Rajat saw Priya going back without even looking at him.

"Daiijaa did you say anything to Priya?" Rajat questioned Daiijaa confusedly.

"Don't know why she always reacts like this whenever I ask about her parents and her husband". Daiijaa was still puzzled with the way she reacted.

"Why are you asking her, Daiijaa? If she ever wants to share her feelings, she will do it on her own. Don't force her to throw the same question over and over again" said Rajat composing Daiijaa.

***********

Ram reached the school. Nevertheless, as usual they are late. School gate is already closed; Ram and Peehu came out from the car. The security guard opens the gate when they come near.

"Sir, the principal has called you to the office," the peon said looking at Ram. "Come Peehu '' said peon taking Peehu's hand and took the bag from Peehu.

Ram then went to the Principal's cabin expecting some nice scolding from her.

"Have a seat Mr. Kapoor" said the principal shoving her hand to the opposite seat to her. Ram silently settled in the chair without speaking a word. Ram already knew what the principal was going to tell him.

The principal places her hands on the table leaning forward. "So Mr. Kapoor," started the principle with a serious expression on her face. "What excuse are you going to make today? There was traffic, your car got broken, Peehu's dress got dirty, and these excuses are very old now. So, you must have a new one for today, don't you?" Principal asked in a serious tone.

Ram stiffened his body straight." Sorry Ma'am, today she is late because of me" Ram apologetically said.

"Ok, what about homework, her class teacher always complains, she never completes her work" the principal questioned." Mr. Kapoor, Peehu is a smart girl but that does not mean we should overlook these things all the time."

Ram scratches his head not knowing what to reply.

"Oh sorry, actually I was busy," said Ram. He was not going through this the first time.

The principal continued...

"Okay, so you were busy" Said the principal and then narrowed her eyes slightly. Ram just nodded simply. "And what about your wife, is she busy too? Is she so busy she does not have time to check if her daughter has finished her homework or not?" This question of the principal made Ram quiet.

He did not know how to answer this. "Mr. Kapoor, where is your wife? I always wanted to meet her. She never came to meet us, you have not filled in her mother's name even in Peehu's admission form and can you tell me the reason?" Principal asked when she did not hear any response from Ram.

He does not know what to say so he remained silent all the while.

Principal waited for his answer but, when he said nothing, she again asked the same question.

Ram inhaled a deep breath and said, "Ok, Peehu will come to the school on time and also finish her homework regularly. Is that fine with you?" said Ram bit rudely this time.

"But that does not answer my question Mr. Kapoor. Where is Peehu's mother?" the principal asked in a loud voice this time. Ram was controlling his temper until now.

"I don't think I need to tell you my personal details," Ram said harshly, making a deep eye- contact with the principal.

Sensing his anger, the principal changed the topic.

"I have one more problem with Peehu." This time she looked more calm and patient.

Ram looked up and asked in a little irritated tone"what is that?" The principle let out a deep sigh.

"Peehu is bullying other students in the class; she is beating boys, pulling their hair. Till now there is no complain against her but if we get any complaints, we have to take actions against Peehu"

Ram came in his angry mode; he got up from his seat and asked, "What do you mean to say that my daughter is indisciplined!" Ram shouts, raising his voice. "See, if you think that my daughter is a problem then say it! I will join her in another school, there are many other good schools in Mumbai"

The principal stood up "Relax Mr. Kapoor, I am not complaining against Peehu. Please calm down" the principle said in a calm tone. Ram took a deep breath and sat down.

"You can join Peehu in any school if you want but the problem will be the same. What I am just trying to say is, please pay more attention towards your child Peehu"

"Sorry, I understand." Said Ram analyzing her words. "I will pay more attention towards her, anything else is left to discuss before I leave?"

"No, Mr Kapoor you may go now." Said principle. Ram got up to leave." One more thing, Peehu is having a new teacher, so if you wish you can meet her," said the principal with a smile.

"No, next time. I am already getting late," said Ram returning the smile then Ram left the office.

***********

Priya is taking the class when Peehu stands near the door.

"May I come in miss?" Peehu took permission raising her voice.

Priya turns her head hearing the sweet voice from the entrance. She smiled seeing a sweet bubbly girl standing at the door asking permission to get in. Priya felt an unknown sense of connection seeing the kid.

Priya gestured to her to come inside "Come in".

"What is your name?" Priya smiled, keeping the book on the desk.

"My name is Peehu Kapoor" Peehu replied.

"So Miss Peehu Kapoor. Do you know you are late today?" Priya said, tilting her head.

Peehu nodding her head and said, "Yes ma'am"

"Miss she always comes late" one of the students said. All the class students started laughing. Priya silenced everybody.

"So you know you are late, you also know that if you are late, you will get punishment". Priya said, placing her hands on her hips.

Peehu looked down gazing on the floor.

Priya raised her head and asked, "What happened, you don't want punishment?"

Peehu nodding her head saying 'No'

"Ok I will not give you punishment today". Priya said caressing her cheeks

Peehu becomes happy "Thank you Miss, Are you my new teacher?"

"Yes, I am your new teacher. Now go to your place but you should come on time every day, okay?" Priya continued taking her class.

Peehu nodded her in positive instantly becoming happy for not getting any punishment.

*********

In Kapoor Industries,

"Where are you Priya? Please come back to me. I thought I would handle Peehu alone but it is tough for me. I thought parenting is simple, but I was very wrong. You left me because of my grave mistakes but you did not give me time to fix everything. Peehu is craving for motherly love Priya. Don't punish her for my mistakes." Ram said dejectedly to himself.

Peehu came back home after finishing her school.

"Peehuuu..."Natasha called her but without looking at her Peehu went to her room.

"Natasha, Peehu is angry with you. Yesterday you came late and today you left early without informing her," KK informed Nuts.

"Don't worry maa, I will handle her" Nuts assured her.

Nutz entered Pihu's room. Peehu saw and turned her face to the other side.

"So my Rockstar is angry with me," Natasha said, holding her shoulder turning to face her.

"I don't want to talk to you bua" Peehu removed her hand and looked outside the window.

"Sorry bachha. I was fully occupied last week so couldn't give you enough time, but now bua is free and I promise you now onwards I will never leave you alone" Natasha tried to convince the little girl.

Peehu turn towards her.

"Sorry Peehu, please forgive me" Natasha said holding her both ears.

"Ok I forgive you, but you have to take me to the park this evening," Peehu said, removing her hand from her ears.

"I got it so all this drama is for going to the park. You naughty girl! ". Natasha tickled her body and Peehu laugh out loud.

"Ok tell me, what you did today in school?". Natasha asks, sitting beside her.

"You know bua today we have a new teacher in the class." Peehu said excitedly.

"Really?" Natasha showed equal excitement.

"And you know what Bua she is very sweet. She did not even punish me for coming late. She said I am intelligent and I can do my homework alone," Peehu said proudly.

"Wow! That is nice. What is the name of your new teacher?" Natasha enquire more about her.

"I don't know as I entered the classroom after her introduction is over but she looks very pretty." Peehu praised her teacher

"I will meet her one day, but now, go and change and after that I will take you to the park". Natasha declared.

"Thank you bua" Peehu kiss bua on her cheeks joyfully.

"But not before completing your homework" Natasha informed her.
"

Okay!" Peehu groaned and ran from there to her room.