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Atharva was shocked to see the broken water jug and glasses on the floor as they were sitting on the bench which was kept on a proper area which was not having grass and was specifically prepared for having cozy breakfast or snacks experience in the garden.. But now the glasses which have fallen were having red spots on them. Atharva's eyes widened. He looked at Rahul who was looking hell angry and he has pushed these glass items hurting himself while doing that. There was a glass still there in his hand and his fingers were clutching it too tightly even though it was hurting him.

Atharva: Papa..

He ran to Rahul and snatched the glass and threw it. He gently took out the glass pieces which were stuck in his skin and then bandaid his hand with his handkerchief.

Atharva: What is this Papa? Aise kon karta hai haan..

Rahul: Kya farak padta hai Atharva jab main wapas aake bhi aaj bhi tumse door hoon.. Itna door ki ab main.. main tumhari khamoshi nahi padh pa raha.. nahi tumhe samaj pa raha..

Atharva: I didn't want to hurt you Papa..

Rahul chuckled sarcastically on himself..

Rahul: You know what Atharva.. Sometimes a thought came in mind.. Aur main.. main chah ke bhi usko nikal nahi pata

Atharva: Kaisa thought??

Rahul: Yahi that.. If.. If I had not taken Tia out on a bike ride on that dreadful day.. Our.. our first baby would be alive..

Tears fell from Atharva's eyes.. His father was opening upto him.. Just like old times when he used to talk his heart out regardless of whether Atharva could understand or not.

Rahul: Aur.. aur shayad tum.. tum aur chhote hote aur.. aur main tumhe uss din leke nahi jata.. aur na tumhe head injury hoti jiski wajah se clot..

Atharva took Rahul in a tight hug hiding his face in the hug... As if he was protecting him from everything and anything. Athiya came there searching for them. Her heart ache seeing Rahul so broken.. She knew somewhere still he blames himself for everything.. Well she herself was no less in that.. She still sometimes blames herself for not realising the major change in her monthly cycle.. that she didn't get her periods.. Only if she knew.. she would have known about the baby and she might have even opted out from the projects she was doing at that time.

Athiya went to the father son duo and hugged them both. Athiya kissed on the side of both of their heads. Atharva broke the hug and composed himself. Rahul and Athiya too did the same.

Atharva hold both of their hands into his.

Atharva: Mumma.. Papa.. I am not a kid and for the fact I know medically it's not possible now. Did I ever say I want a real sibling? No na.. I am sorry I hurted you both with my words.. I just wanted you both to accept my demand.. I didn't realise how much this one thing would be disturbing for both of you and how much pain you both would be feeling.. I am really sorry Mumma.. I am sorry Papa.. I really am..

RahIya smiled at him and hugged him once again.

Atharva: Can I sleep with you two tonight?

Athiya: Of course bachcha..

The trio went to RahIya's room and Rahul passed Atharva his meds to which he made a face but had it. Then the trio slept peacefully cuddling to each other with Atharva sleeping between RahIya.

On the next day, All except Atharva were in the hall. They were going back to Mumbai today

Sana: Mujhe Atharva ki chinta ho rahi hain. Aisa mahol uske liye sahi nahi hai. He is stressing himself a lot.

AK: Mumbai Jake usko Cricket me busy kar denge.. It will divert his mind

Vami: Akku.. You should have taken his side.. Woh sabse zyada tumse kareeb hai.. Sabse zyada tumhe Manta hai. And you are just behaving like this.. as if usme koi akkal hai hi nahi

AK: Lekin Di..

Vami: Even if you are not agreeing to his demand, you should not leave him alone. Mujhe itna samaj me aata hai

On the other side, Atharva was going towards outhouse when he heard someone was crying. He went towards the direction of the voice with a frown. He saw a baby was there crying and a staff member was trying to calm the baby. Atharva went there and he looked at the baby..

Atharva: Kya hua isse kaka?

Kaka: Pata nahi beta.. achanak se rone lagi yeh

Atharva: Lagi.. matlab baby girl hai yeh..

Kaka: Ji..

Atharva: Kaka aap kam karlo apna. Main isko sambhalta hoon

Kaka went from there as apparantly just like none can say no to Athiya same rule goes for Atharva too..

Atharva was making faces to the baby and baby's mind got distracted. She was looking at Atharva with her big doe eyes.

Atharva: Tum kitni pyaari ho.. sweet sweet..

He chuckled at his own comment.

Atharva: Main na tumhe Mumma Papa se milwata hoon.. Wait.. main kyu milwau unse.. They.. they are bad.. Meri baat samaj ke bhi kuchh nahi bole dono.. Why don't they understand?

Tears fell from Atharva's eyes. He wiped them hastily.

Atharva: Tum na daantna unko.. Bahut gande hai.. Unke liye bol raha phir bhi nahi samaj rahe..

Atharva sobbed but composed himself.

Atharva: I.. I guess it was always me only who have to loose hai na..

Atharva quickly wiped the tears which again fell from his eyes but now baby again started crying. And this time it was real hard..

Atharva: Baby.. pyaari pyaari baby.. rote nahi.. baba..

Atharva patted on her chest but she didn't stop. He looked here and there but there was no one whom he could ask for help. He thought to pick her up but he had never picked a baby and he was scared that he would injured her. She was too tiny for him to even try to pick her up.

Atharva hold the cloth which was kept beneath her and hold it from corners so it will be like a cradle. He then started walking at faster pace. He was calling Athiya loudly as he was sacred because baby was continuously crying and it was not good for baby.

Atharva (loudly): Mumma.. Mumma..

Athiya and Rahul alongwith all others were shocked hearing Atharva.. They all stood up.

Atharva (loudly): Mumma.. Papa.. Mumma..

He came inside almost running.

Athiya: Atharva kya hua?

Atharva kept the cloth on the sofa panting and the baby was again crying.

Rahul: Atharva yeh..

Before he could say further, baby started coughing. Athiya quickly took the baby and started cradling her.

Sunil: Iss bachchi ki tabiyat waise bhi kharab si hai aur Mumbai leke Jana hai NGO me

Atharva: NGO me kyu Nanu?

Sunil: Beta iska koi nahi hai ab iss duniya me. Kuchh dino pehle ek accident me iske parents chal base. Local police ne hamare NGO ko contact Kiya aur maine bola hum personally leke jayenge isko yaha se..

Atharva: Lekin yeh kitni pyaari hai

Rahul: She is a girl..???

He blinked his eyes and looked at the baby girl whose cries were subsided thanks to Athiya but she was still having moist eyes. The baby looked at Rahul and blinked at him.

Atharva: Yeh ro kyu Rahi thi?

Athiya: Iski nappy gili ho gayi thi iss liye. Appa.. iske kapde kidhar hai?

Mana came there with her clothes and Athiya made baby wear her nappy.

Atharva: Main iske sath khelta hoon aap log do whatever you were doing

He started playing with baby who was looking at him amusingly. Soon enough the younger clan joined him in playing with the baby while Sammy was gently checking baby.

Sammy: Aise to theek hai but weakness hai bachchi me

Atharva: To ab?

Sammy: Atharva she must be under weather too. Hum Mumbai jaye uske baad ek baar test kar lenge.. in case kuchh aur issue ho to..

Rahul: Aur issue kyu hoga? She must be missing her parents. Bachche touch pehchante hai.. Atharva ka yaad hai na..

Rohit: Are yaad mat dilao.. Vi tumhe pata hai yeh na Hum sab ke paas do minutes se zyada nahi tikta tha. Isko Rah ya Tia koi na koi chahiye hi hota tha

Virat: Aur Akku.. Woh iska bilkul ulta tha.. Matlab jo dikha uski God ne khelne lagta tha.. Full on Aag Lage basti me Akku apni masti me types..

AK made a face but rest all chuckled. Sana was the loudest one in chuckling. AK saw her happy and got lost in her. Sana found him staring at her and she too got lost into his eyes.. They both were lost in each other's eyes when a loud voice of Baby's cry broke their trance and Atharva chuckled.

AK: Atharva..

Atharva laughed while trying to calm baby..

Athiya: Isko bhukh lagi hai ab..

Mana passed her breast milk which they have purchased from the hospital. Athiya was feeding the baby with a milk bottle and Atharva was looking at them curiously.

Athiya: Kya dekh rahe ho Atharva?

Atharva: Mumma.. aapko kaise pata chala ki isko bhukh lagi hai?

Athiya: Are isme kaise pata chalne wali kya baat hai.. Sidhi si baat hai na..

Atharva: Yeah yeah I forgot.. Mumma knows everything..

All chuckled and Athiya whacked him gently and Atharva chuckled.

***********************************
They were going back to Mumbai in the bus. Rahul went to Agu and sat beside him. Agu kept his head on Rahul's shoulder and he in return took him in a side hug.

Rahul: Kya baat hai Agu?

Agu: Aapne baat ki Papa se?

Rahul: Sorry Agu.. nahi kar paya.. I was occupied with Atharva's demand and all..

Agu: Sorry Chachu.. I am pressurizing you.

Rahul: Nahi bachcha. Aisa kyu bol rahe ho? I'll talk to Harry but I feel it's not the right time

Agu didn't say anything and just snuggled more.

Rahul: Kya baat hai Agu? Why are you hyper?

Agu sighed.

Agu: Papa has started taking sleeping pills chachu. I am scared. I know whatever happened cannot be changed.. I know Mumma and Papa both are not gonna understand what I was trying to say since years. They never understand and now I have left the hope. I want to see both of them happy bas.

Rahul was still processing the information he got. He was shocked hearing about the sleeping pills.

Rahul: I.. I didn't know that Agu

Agu: Chachu.. I know and I am sharing this with you because it's only you who can make him understand that he has to take control of his life back in his hands. Jaise unhone uss bl**dy Koffee show me baad kiya tha

Rahul: Agu..

Agu: Chachu.. look at you.. Aaj koi apko uss Nazar ne nahi dekhta aur na koi apko aisi sab baato me kuchh bhi bol pata because you have changed their perspective because of your behaviour. But what he did? Showing people I don't care attitude is not something which always works. His image which was changed is now again at the same level which was there during that time and ab unke sath meri bhi. I am not saying all this for me and for betterment of my image but chachu.. He is in his fifties.. aise me ab logo ki baatein zyada chubhegi.. He needs the calmness back ASAP

Rahul: And you need their love Agu..

Agu smirked sarcastically

Agu: I have stopped hoping for it Chachu. Cordial hai dono wahi bahut hai

Rahul made the hug tighter and started patting his head to calm him down. Agu slept in a while.

Harry who has got up just like that saw Agu was sleeping while keeping his head on Rahul's shoulder. He came there and was looking at them. Rahul looked at him with raised eyebrows even though he knew why his bestie has come

Harry: I want to sit here

Rahul: Sure.. but make sure mere bachche ki neend na bigde..

Harry: You don't even know what he wished for Atharva

Rahul: I know what he wished for Atharva from the bottom of his heart. He almost pleaded to God to make Atharva fit and fine.

Harry: He did??

Rahul: Yes and he is daily going to temple to pray for him. Subah 3 baje uth ke ready hoke jata hai subah ki pehli aarti karta hai. Kisi bhi mandir jata hai lekin he is doing it for the safety of my son and I am greatful to him

Harry smiled slightly hearing this.

Rahul: He is still your small Agu Harry.. Please don't make him Agastya

Rahul kept Agu's head properly on seat and left from there and Harry sat at Rahul's place. He took Agu in a side hug though hesitantly but he took. Agu snuggled more towards him and Harry just held him protectively kissing on his forehead.

***********************************

At the hospital, it looked like almost everyone was going for the check up. Rohit and Virat and Vami were in the line for their regular check ups. On the other side, even Atharva's regular check up and scan was planned. Sana even asked Rahul too to go through a scan so she can check if there is anything which needs to be taken care of.

Athiya and Anu were with Sammy for the check up of the baby and then they also needed to buy breast milk for her.

Sammy: Waise to baby theek hai lekin weakness hai isme and uska vaccination bhi karna hai. To hum log woh bhi kar lete hai. Wapas aana nahi apko yaha

Athiya and Anu agreed and baby was vaccinated too. But because of that tiny injection, she was crying hard in her loudest voice possible and at least everyone on the floor knew that the baby was vaccinated hearing her cries

Atharva and Rahul came to that floor and they instantly recognised baby's voice and almost ran towards where the babies were being checked.

Rahul: Kya hua?

Anu: Are woh..

Athiya: Kuchh nahi Rah..

Anu and Sammy both looked at her as if saying what was that..

Atharva: Are to ro kyu Rahi hai?

Atharva started trying to calm the baby by talking to her or by tickling her or by making faces at her but no luck.

Another doctor who was there spoke.

Doctor: Dr Sharma.. iss baby ka vaccination ho gaya hai na yeh rahi uski file. Aur ab aap log baby ko leke ja sakte hai

Rahul (almost shouted): What?? Vaccination?? Tia tumne bataya kyu nahi mujhe.. Tumhe pata hai na babies kitne cranky ho jate hai.. are bichari kitni dar gayi hogi. Tumhe na kuchh nahi pata. Tum na baby ko mujhe do main sambhalta hoon.. Aur aise kaise pakda hai baby ko..

Rahul said everything in one go. Anu, Sammy and Atharva were looking at him as if he has grown horns. Whereas Athiya rolled her eyes and gave baby to Rahul who held her ever so gently and cooed her in his embrace rubbing her back and went from there.

Anu: What was that??

Atharva: Yeh kya tha??

Sammy: Kai zala??

Athiya: Yeh to kuchh nahi hua abhi. Maine issi wajah se nahi bataya tha vaccination ka. He gets so worked up na. Atharva ke time pe na Atharva puri hospital me apni awaaz ka sample sunate firta tha aur yeh pure Mumbai me huh..

***********************************
RohiRat's check up was done. Virat was continuously tapping his foot as Vami's check up was going on. Arya was biting his nails and Jinks and Radhika were trying to calm him.

Rohit chuckled gaining everyone's attention

Virat & Arya: What??

Now Rohit, Jinks and Radhika all chuckled making Virat and Arya smiled.

Arya: Tension ho rahi hai. Regular check up hai phir bhi

He finally voiced it out

Virat: Ro.. mujhe bhi..

Jinks: Don't worry. Hamari Vami fighter hai kuchh nahi hoga. Sab sahi hoga

Virat: Tum logo ko koi surgeon mila?

Rohit looked at Arya who shook his head in no and Rohit did the same. Jinks and Radhika were looking sad but they composed themselves.

Soon enough Vami came there and everything was under control so they were all relieved a bit for now.

They went from there to other floor and found Rahul was taking rounds in the corridor with baby in his hands and was talking to baby

Virat: Rah kya hua?

Rahul: Vi Bhai.. aap na Tia ki daant lagao sab se pehle. And B-Ro aap Sammy ko.

Sammy: Maine kya Kiya?

Rahul: Are baby ko vaccination de diya.. Imagine Bhai VACCINATION. Aur mujhe batana bhi zaroori nahi samja. Aur to aur teeno baatein kar rahe the jab ki baby bichari kitna ro rahi thi..

Rest all were somewhere controlling their laughter seeing him like this.

Rahul: My poor baby.. Kitna pain hua hoga na aapko Babu.. Don't worry.. I am here okay.

AK was standing beside Atharva. He thought on whatever Vami said and he felt she was right. He should not let Atharva be alone even if there is disagreement between them

AK: Atharva..

Atharva: Ji bhaiya..

AK: I am with you always. You know that right

Atharva: Ji bhaiya I know.

AK sighed

AK: I am sorry Atharva.

Atharva: Kis liye bhaiya?

AK: I.. I should have not left you on our disagreement. I should have agreed to disagreement

Atharva: One should always agree to disagreement Bhaiya. Mujhe iss baat se koi problem nahi hai ki aap mere sath nahi the.. Aap mujhe samje nahi iss baat ka dukh mujhe zyada hai. Anyways hota hai. Let it be.

AK: Matlab??

Before Atharva could say anything, Jinks spoke.

Jinks: Guys let's go home.

Athiya: Haan aap log Ghar jao hum log NGO hoke aate hai

Rahul: No chance I will let her stay at NGO tonight

Atharva: Wow.. matlab baby hamare sath rahegi

Arya: Phir to aaj Ghar Jake iske sath khoob khelenge

Vami: Are bahut maza ayega

Sana: Khoob dhamal karenge

Sammy: Guys.. can't I expect some sanity from all of you just for baby?

The youngsters rolled their eyes.

Sammy: Vaccination hua hai na. Let her rest guys

Athiya: Aur Rah.. hum log aise hi nahi rakh sakte baby ko. NGO ko dene ka order hai

Atharva: Lekin waha kon dhyan rakhega baby ka?

Athiya: Beta waha pe sab hai na. Aap to jante ho na sab ko

Atharva made a face and then caressed baby's head gently

Atharva: Papa woh main.. main loon?

Rahul: Haa lo na

Atharva: Kaise loon?

Rahul: Hath aage karo

Atharva forwarded his hands. Rahul placed the baby in his hands.

Rahul: Iss hath ko yaha rakho neck ke niche and iss wale ko aise Haan.. yeh log ho gaya

Atharva kept looking at the baby for a while

Atharva (happily): Haila.. maine baby ko uthaya..

All chuckled at his excitement

Athiya: Rah.. I know you are worried for her health but we have experts there right

Rahul sighed and nodded in yes.

RahIya and Atharva with Baby went towards NGO whereas rest all were at Rahul's house once again as it was nearest to the hospital and was common for their lounging.

Sana and AK were in garden.

Sana: Tumne Atharva se baat karna shuru kar diya achchha kiya. He needs your support AK

AK: Maine baat karna bandh nahi kiya tha but yeah I was upset. And to be honest, I would have supported him agar usne yeh demand tab ki hoti jab sab sahi hota. Like hume jana nahi padta.. Rah cha and Chi ko itna kuchh sehna nahi padta.. And now it's too late medically bhi. And even if it was possible, it would have been too hard for them.

Sana: I understand your point too AK. But I also understand the tendency of this demand.. I understand it as a doctor. Kafi patients ko dekha hai aise. Dimag logo ka kaise kaise chal sakta hai I understand..

She said this much when she got the notification in her phone. She checked the photos and was shocked. She checked them several times and called at the hospital.

Sana: Hello.. Haan yeh kya bheja hai mujhe?

---

Sana: Kiski reports hai theek se check karo.

---

Sana: There must be some misunderstanding..

---

Sana: Kal subah.. Theek hai

She cut the call. Tension was evident on her face.

AK: Kya hua Sana? Why are you so tensed? Aur usse zyada dari Hui si lag rahi ho.

Sana showed him two photos.. they were two different scans but looked somewhere similar too.

AK: Kiske hai yeh? Ek to Atharva ka hai I got that. Yeh dusara??

Sana looked at him with teary eyes

AK was shocked

AK (shocked): Rah Cha..

***********************************

Amy was doing her regular petrolling when Angad came there. She ignored him and continued with her work

Angad: Amy

Amy: Yes Captain

Angad: Can you forgive me please? I got hyper and iss liye maine aise react Kiya tha. I didn't know ki tum hamari security team ka hissa ho. I should have listened to you at least once lekin main sab ki security ko leke dar gaya tha. I was scared. Sach.. Amy hum log already kafi apno ko almost kho chuke the uss time pe.. Aise me I just couldn't think much more in depth and I didn't listen to you. I am sorry

Amy: It's okay. I guess I should have also understood that you must have been too much scared to react like this. And not even try to listen to me once. Let's.. let's just move on I guess

Angad: Thanks

Amy smiled and was about to go when Angad stopped her

Angad: Waise agar kal chaho to terrace pe dance practice kar sakte hai

Amy smiled and went from there making Angad ruffling his own hair at the back of his head while smiling sheepishly.

***********************************

Vami was checking some files and Arya passed her her coffee. She took it and thanked him. He then sat at a distance being lost in his thoughts.

Vami: Arya woh pen pass karna..

No response

Vami looked at him and found him lost in his thoughts. She kept her file at a side and hold his hand breaking his trance

Vami: Kya soch rahe ho?

Arya: Nahi bas aise hi

Vami sat nearer to him and hold his arm and kept her head on his shoulder.

Arya: Vami..

Vami: Isse meri heartbeat fast nahi hoti. Ulta main calm ho jati hoon

Arya smiled

Vami: Ab batao. How was the experience at hospital?

Arya sighed

Arya: Sach kahu to fat rahi thi yaar..

Vami chuckled

Vami: It's normal check up Arya. Isme sirf pata chalta hai ki koi precautions lene hai ki nahi

Arya: Haan but phir bhi

Vami again chuckled and pulled his cheeks making him made a face

Vami: Mere Cute se Arya aise me nahi darte. I'll tell if there is anything uneasy if I feel. Don't worry about this check ups okay

Arya: As you say your highness

They both chuckled. Arya kissed on her forehead and they both enjoyed their coffees while talking on some random stuffs

***********************************

Ritz was glaring at Rohit who was looking at her like a kid caught red handed while doing any mischief

Ritz: Ro.. it's been half an hour and you still have not told me why you have called me here and what is the important thing you want to discuss

Rohit: Haan woh..

Rohit sighed

Rohit: Woh main bol raha tha ki Hume waha Jana chahiye

Ritz looked at him with raised eyebrows

Ritz: Waha matlab?

Rohit: Bangalore

Ritz: Ro.. I already told you that..

Rohit cut her gently

Rohit: Ritz I know and believe me.. I am seriously thinking about this. I guess we should go and check. Sammy loves Arjun aur ab main bhi theek hoon to it's a good thing we go and see ourselves ki hamari beti ka honewala sasural kaisa hai. Aur yeh main dil se bol raha hoon.. Dil ki wajah se nahi

Ritz thought for a while.

Ritz: Let's ask Sammy first and then we can go ahead

Rohit agreed

***********************************

RahIya and Atharva with Baby reached NGO but they got to know that the person who used to handle infants is not available for few days.

Atharva: Haan to leke chalte hai na baby ko ghar ab. Please Mumma.. Please Papa..

Atharva show them his cute puppy eyes and Rahul instantly melted down and looked at Athiya siding Atharva. Athiya shook her head at their antics but agreed as they cannot keep the baby here now.

Sunil informed police about the situation and assured them about baby's safety.

Rahul was going towards the car when he felt dizzy. He held his head and took the support of nearby pillar. He took some deep breaths and calm himself down. He was feeling better now.

Soon enough Athiya, Atharva with Baby came. They settled in the car and went to their home

At the home all were surprised to see baby too.

Virat: Baby ke sath khelne ke liye usko yaha le aaye ho kya?

Athiya: Are nahi.. woh actually..

She informed everyone and they all were happy that baby was staying with them. One by one everyone was playing with baby and Atharva as that kid was not leaving that infant for a second.

It was night and baby was sleeping as she was down with fever because of the vaccination and now all were chit chatting in their respective groups.

AK: Atharva.. tumne subah aisa kyu bola ki main tumhe samaj nahi pata

Atharva: Kyuki aap samaj nahi paaye bhaiya. It's a fact.

AK: To samjao na

Atharva sighed.

Atharva: Sab ko sath me hi samjata hoon

Saying so he went to Athiya and Rahul and once again he hold their hands in each of his

Atharva: Mumma.. Papa.. I am sorry.. I am sorry main apni demand sahi se nahi rakh paya aur aap dono ko hurt kiya

Athiya: Atharva..

Atharva: Mumma.. Papa.. As I said, I really didn't want to hurt you both. I cannot even think about it but unintentionally I did. And I am genuinely sorry for it. I am not a kid. Main samajta hoon cheeze. I.. I asked for a sibling and my demand is still the same. I know it's not medically possible but did I ever say ki mujhe mera real sibling chahiye? Nahi na. I just want a sibling.

Atharva took a deep breath

Atharva: Can't we.. can't we adopt a baby? Jo.. jo mera chhota bhai ya bahen ho aur apka dusara baby? Can't we go with this option? Can't we help someone to get the love of the family he or she deserves but couldn't because of the fate. Can't we???

Athiya and Rahul were once again too shocked to even react.

......................................................................

That's it for this chapter. Hope you guys like it

Your thoughts on Agu and Rahul

Your thoughts on Atharva's demand

Your thoughts on this new baby

PS - Soon enough Atharva's clot wala track is going to end. So if there is anything which you want to see before ending it, do let me know

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