*** CHAPTER 01 ***

Durga Prasad impatiently paces to and fro in front of Swara's room as the doctor inspects her after her recent panic attack just an hour ago and his wife Annapurna just keeps standing in the hallway crossing her arms across her chest and her whole figure resting against a pillar as she keeps staring into oblivion, her mind devoid any thoughts in particular.

After anxiously waiting for fifteen more minutes, they straighten up their posture as the doctor steps out of the room with a grim expression etched all across his face.

Doctor: I asked you all to take care of her and please don't stress her in any way. Mr. Maheshwari, you're a very responsible person. Please keep this in mind if you don't want to lose your daughter-in-law!

The doctor warns Durga Prasad and Annapurna once again. Annapurna glares at her husband on knowing that Swara's condition has worsened and something needs to be done soon enough.

Annapurna: We are very sorry doctor. We'll keep this in mind from now on.

Doctor: I'll still suggest you to get her admitted in the hospital for a better medical care.

Annapurna: No, doctor! We can't take that risk. We won't be able to answer her questions after that.

Doctor: (nods his head thoughtfully) I'll take your leave then. Please take care and let me know in case of any emergency.

Durga Prasad and Annapurna nod their heads and the doctor leaves. For the first time in almost one and a half hours Durga Prasad looks at his wife.

Durga Prasad: Get some snacks ready. Mr. Sen Gupta is coming.

Annapurna: (sternly) Is his son also coming?

Durga Prasad gives her a rigid nod and she rolls her fist in anger. For some reasons, Annapurna can never appreciate the presence of Mr. Sen Gupta's son and especially when he is around Swara.

Annapurna: Get one thing very clear. I don't want him anywhere near my daughter.

Durga Prasad: But what's the problem in that? They have known each other since college times.

Annapurna: I don't know anything about that but I have this feeling that something is going on in his mind.

Durga Prasad: Isn't that a good thing? After Sanky, it's our responsibility that Swara gets to start a new life. After all we can't force her to stay in a non-existent relationship for the rest of her life.

Annapurna: I know and no one would be more glad than me if she gets married to someone again. But Sahil Sen Gupta is certainly not that 'someone'. I would never hand over my daughter to a reckless being like him instead I want a person who would cherish her for his entire life. I would give her to someone I could trust.

Durga Prasad grimaces his face on the thinking she holds of Sahil. He flicks his fingers signaling her to dismiss the matter for now as he sees Mr. Mahesh Sen Gupta enter through the main gate with his son Sahil tagging along.

Durga Prasad: They are here!

Annapurna: Like I care! I'll be in our room and if you need anything ask Joe to get it done.

Durga Prasad: But what's the harm in meeting them?

Annapurna: If you don't want them to get insulted and move right out of the door they are entering now, better not call me out.

Durga Prasad sighs knowing that there is no point in arguing with her as she becomes over possessive when it comes her children and after Sanky she is not ready to trust anyone when it's about Swara. He couldn't blame her either as she has seen too much already and he can understand how hard it would have been for a mother's heart.

She gives a few instructions to Joe , their servant, and swiftly turn around on her heels making her way towards their room and locking it after her.

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All the three men settle down in the central hall of the house as Joe brings in the snacks and tea as instructed by Annapurna.

All the while Annapurna keeps sitting in her room. She wants some peace for her mind but apparently she isn't getting any soon. Three of them are talking loud enough for her to hear as their room is on the ground floor only, just next to the central hall of the house.

Mahesh Sen Gupta is a very close business associate of the Maheshwari empire, so, they get a hint that something has happened but since nothing has been made official they can't talk about that matter right away. Swara is Sahil's collegemate, so, he gets to know that she's been getting panic attacks for last six months and apparently his heart holds a soft corner for her, more or less something like that.

Mahesh: So, I heard that Swara has gotten another panic attack. Poor girl, I really feel sorry for her.

Durga Prasad: The doctor has just visited her and has informed us that her condition is worse than before. But I really need to help her out. She is more like a daughter to me.

Mahesh: (thinks for a while and looks at his son signaling him something) When is Sanky coming back?

Durga Prasad: (takes a deep breath) He still has some work in USA and would be back soon.

Sahil: Uncle, if you don't mind can I suggest something?

Durga Prasad: Sure Beta! Anything!

Sahil: Uncle, since Sanky is not here, I suggest you all to let someone of around her age to take care of her. That way she'll feel much better.

The moment Annapurna hears this she loses her control fuming furiously. She knows that very well what Sahil intends to say and she is all set to move out and barge right into the main hall. She wants to say so many things right now. All she wants is to yell her heart out. But before she could bring her plan into action Joe interrupts the men's talk and Annapurna pulls herself back away from the door.

Joe: Sir, Mr. Sharma is here.

Durga Prasad: (furrows his brows) Mr. Sharma? Hemant? But he was in Mumbai. How is he back so early? Anyways, send him in.

Joe nods his head and leaves. Within a minute, Hemant enters and greets Durga Prasad.

Hemant: Good afternoon sir!

Durga Prasad: Hemant, why are you back so early? Is there any problem in the deal?

Hemant: No sir! I want to talk to you about something.

Durga Prasad: What happened? You look a bit worried. Just say whatever you wish to.

Hemant gives a quick glance at everyone in the room and finally turns back to Durga Prasad.

Hemant: Sir, I want to talk to you alone. It's a bit urgent.

Durga Prasad narrows his eyes but seeing the serious look on Hemant's face he nods his head and takes him in the study room excusing himself in front of Mahesh Sen Gupta and Sahil.

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Durga Prasad: Now say whatever you want to!

Seeing Hemant hesitating a bit he gives him an encouraging smile and keeps his hand on his shoulder.

Durga Prasad: Hemant! You don't need to worry so much. Just say whatever you wish for. You are more like a younger brother to me. Except for Annapurna and I, only you know whatever happened to Sanky. He didn't call you uncle for no reason. Don't hesitate so much. And thank you for helping me out in the hour of need.

Hemant: No sir! No need to thank me. Being your manager, I'm obliged to represent you and Maheshwari Corporation whenever necessary.

Durga Prasad: So, what's the problem?

Hemant: Sir, actually... (takes a deep breath thinking something) when I was in Mumbai... I saw someone.

Durga Prasad: Who?

Hemant: I think we can help Swara!

Durga Prasad: Really! How?

As Hemant starts narrating him whatever happened at Mumbai worry lines start forming on Durga Prasad's forehead and soon enough an unsure expression gets etched all over his face.

Durga Prasad: Are you sure about this?

Hemant: Yes sir! I'm absolutely sure. I saw him with my own eyes.

Durga Prasad: But what if he takes advantage of our condition? I can't risk Swara's life like that.

Hemant: He seems a pretty good person Sir! But I think you should come with me to Mumbai. You can have a talk with him yourself and you can decide whether he is the right person or not.

Durga Prasad: Hmm... I think there is no harm in trying. Maybe it's a chance given us by God. Maybe everything gets better after that.

Hemant: Yes sir! This is a big chance for us.

Durga Prasad: (nods his head) Okay! I'm coming to Mumbai with you. Get the tickets of the first flight. I don't want to waste any more time.

Hemant: Okay Sir. I'll get the tickets of the flight in the evening.

Here turns around to leave when Durga Prasad calls him back.

Durga Prasad: Hemant!

Hemant: (turns back) Yes sir!

Durga Prasad: What's his name?

Hemant: (smiles) Vidhaan!

Durga Prasad: Vidhaan... and?

Hemant: It's just Vidhaan Sir. He's an orphan.

Saying this he leaves and Durga Prasad gets engrossed in deep thoughts. But listening Mahesh's voice he goes back to his guests waiting for him in the hall.

Mahesh: Is everything alright?

Durga Prasad: Yes! Just a small business work and for that I have to go to Mumbai.

Mahesh: Alright then. We'll take your leave.

Durga Prasad: Sure! Do visit again.

Listening that they are leaving Annapurna finally steps out of the room and all of them look at her.

Mahesh: (gives a sly smile looking at her) Namaste Bhabhi ji. We are leaving then.

Annapurna: (joins her hand and gives him a forced smile) Thank you so much...

'... for leaving', she so desperately wants to add this but keeps quite for the sake of her husband.

Sahil: Give my greetings to Swara... and Sanky.

Annapurna: (loudly) Shlok Durgaprasad Maheshwari!

Sahil: Huh?

Annapurna: He is Sanky only for the close ones. For you he is Shlok Durgaprasad Maheshwari.

Sahil glares at her as she narrows her eyes at him. If one murder would have been allowed, she would have already murdered him for laying eyes on her daughter-in-law.

Both of them leave and Durga Prasad looks at her.

Durga Prasad: Get my things ready. I've to leave in the evening.

Annapurna: Where are you going?

Durga Prasad: Mumbai.

Annapurna: Why?

Durga Prasad: I have some important work. If everything goes well I'll come back and tell you everything.

He looks at her as gets confused by his behavior. He never hides anything from her but what is it that he is so hesitant and is not telling her. He walks towards her and holds her hand smiling at her.

Durga Prasad: I know you are much stronger than I think. You have already suffered a lot and now I think we really need to do something. Just trust me, okay! (she nods her head with a slight smile) Take care of Swara and yourself too. I'll be back by day after tomorrow.

She nods her head agreeing to him. Later, he walks away to talk to Hemant regarding the arrangements.

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Next day, Durga Prasad and Hemant are standing in front of 'Grace', an orphanage cum school run by Father Francis. Located away from the hush and rush of the city, this place looks so pure and serene that without any pompous feature it leaves Durga Prasad spellbound. A small campus having two buildings of two floors each for the children and a separate residence building for the staff members. And right in front of the campus across the street is another campus which by its appearance looks like a small school, definitely for the children living in the orphanage.

Durga Prasad: Are you sure that this is the place?

Hemant: Yes sir!

Durga Prasad: Hmm... let's go then.

They step inside the school and the Principal, Father Francis welcomes them. Hemant has already had a brief talk with him regarding their visit so Father Francis takes them straightaway to a classroom.

Father Francis: Welcome Mr. Maheshwari! It's an honor to have you here. Let's go! He's in the classroom.

As they move closer to the classroom they hear some slight music and Durga Prasad turns towards Father.

Durga Prasad: Is he a music teacher?

Father Francis: (smiles and shakes his head) No. He's a Mathematics teacher.

Durga Prasad: Then this music?

Father Francis: That's his way of teaching. He believes that we need perfect synchronization of both our mind and heart while teaching as well as learning, so, he uses music to reach out to the hearts of the children. He becomes their friend before becoming their teacher. Weird, but that's how our Vidhaan is!

Reaching near the doorstep of the classroom they find a guy of around twenty seven years of age sitting on the table and all the children dancing around him as he plays a soft music on the harmonica. A positive aura emits from him and a smile appears on everyone's face standing there. Though his back is facing towards him but Durga Prasad instantly feels that he is the one. The urge to see his face is too much that Durga Prasad moves a step inside the classroom but immediately retreats back as he starts singing and soon enough all the children join him as well.

Dekho dekho kya wo ped hai
Chaadar odhe ya khada koi

Hey.. dekho dekho kya wo ped hai
Chaadar odhe ya khada koi
Barish hai ya aasman ne
Chhod diye hain nal khule kaheen
Ho.. hum jaise dekhein yeh jahan hai vaisa hi
Jaisi nazar apni...

Khul ke sochein aao
Pankh zara failaao
Rang naye bikhraao
Chalo, chalo, chalo, chalo
Naye khwaab bun lein

(Father Francis: Vidhaan is a very special child to me. When I found him he wasn't even a week old.

Durga Prasad: So, since then he's been with you?

Father Francis: Yes! He has lived here for almost all his life and now he has started teaching the children of the orphanage.)

Hey ae.. ae.. ae..
Hey ae.. ae.. ae..
Hey ae.. ae.. ae..
Hey ae.. ae.. ae..
Sa pa - sa pa
Dha re - dha re
Ga re - ga re
Ga ma pa sa - ga ma pa sa

Bum bum bum - bum bum bum
Bum Bum bum bole - bum bum bum bole
Hey bum chik bole - bum chik bole
Arre masti mein dole - masti mein dole

Bum bum bole masti mein dole
Bum bum bole masti mein tu dol re
Bum bum bole masti mein dole
Bum bum bole masti mein tu dol re

Bhala machhliyan bhi kyun udti nahin
Aise bhi socho na
Socho suraj roz nahaaye ya
Baal bhigo ke yeh buddhu banaaye hamein
Yeh saare taare timtimaaye
Ya phir gusse mein kuchh badbadate rahe

Khul ke sochein aao
Pankh zara failaao
Rang naye bikhraao
Chalo, chalo, chalo, chalo
Naye khwaab bun lein

Hey ae.. ae.. ae..
Hey ae.. ae.. ae..
Bum bum bole masti mein dole
Bum bum bole masti mein tu dol re

O rat rat ke kyon tanker full
[Tanker full, tanker full]
Aankhein band to dabba gul
[Dabba gul, dabba gul]
Oya band darwaaze khol re
[Khol re, khol re, khol re]
Ho ja bindas bol re
[Bol bol bol bol re]
Main bhi hoon - main bhi hoon
Tu bhi hai - tu bhi hai

Ho main bhi, tu bhi, hum sab mil ke
Bum chik, bum bum chik, bum bum chik
Bum chik, bum bum chik, bum bum chik
Bum bum bum bum bum bum
Bum bum bole masti mein dole
Bum bum bole masti mein tu dol re

(Amidst singing, dancing and enjoying with the children Vidhaan turns towards the door and smiles looking Father Francis and nods at Durga Prasad and Hemant. He moves towards them but the children pull him back requesting him to complete the song.)

Aisi rangon bhari apni dunia hai kyun
Socho to, socho na
Pyaar se chun ke in rangon ko
Kisi ne sajaya yeh sansar hai
Jo itni sundar hai apni duniya
Oopar wala kya koi kalakaar hai

Khul ke sochein aao
Pankh zara failaao
Rang naye bikhraao
Chalo chalo chalo chalo chalo chalo chalo chalo
Chalo chalo chalo chalo naye khwaab bun lein

Bum bum bole masti mein dole
Bum bum bole masti mein tu dol re
Bum bum bole masti mein dole
Bum bum bole masti mein tu dol re
Bum bum bole masti mein dole
Bum bum bole masti mein tu dol re
Bum bum bole masti mein dole
Bum bum bole masti mein tu dol re

As the song gets over Vidhaan turns around and walks towards them. Durga Prasad stands rooted to his place as he takes in Vidhaan's appearance. He has heard that some people in the world resemble but resemblance to this extent is beyond expectation. Unknowingly for a moment Durga Prasad starts thinking of something else but soon enough he discards that thought realizing that it's not possible. Vidhaan for sure is a very handsome person and his the shine on his face reflects how humble he is. If Shlok was fire, then Vidhaan is like ice.

Hemant: Don't they both look exactly the same?

Durga Prasad: Except for his eyes!

Hemant: Sorry Sir! I didn't get you.

Durga Prasad: Shlok had black eyes but his are brown!

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A/N

I hope you all liked the chapter. Thank you so much for your love and support towards the story. That really means a lot to me.

With love,
Stella ❤️